Costa Cálida
Ex municipal architect arrested in Zerrichera case in Águilas
By m.p. - Nov 11, 2009 - 11:20 AM
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The case relates to a development project on land which is under EU protection
Jorge Sotelino Vico, formerly municipal architect in Águilas and now working in the private sector, has been arrested in connection with the court investigation in the Zerrichera case. EFE reports that he was taken into custody on Tuesday, following searches of his office and home in Águilas.
The court is investigating corruption allegations regarding protected land in La Zerrichera where a development project was planned for 4,000 new homes, a luxury hotel and a golf course. Part of the site chosen is on land which is protected by the European Union and the investigation aims to determine if there were any irregularities in the administrative process for the project’s approval.
Águilas Town Hall reclassified the site as suitable for building in 2004 and, in 2007, a complaint was presented for perversion of the course of justice against the Partido Popular Mayor of Águilas, Juan Ramírez, a former councillor, and high-ranking officials with the Murcia government. One of those under investigation in the case is Francisco Marqués, the former councillor for the environment with the Murcia regional government.
EFE notes that it was his successor in the position, Benito Mercader, who halted the approval process for the development project.