García, who also served as president of the PP of Almería, avoided media questions following his appearance at the City of Justice. His lawyer, Joaquín Monterreal, stated that his client had previously testified in November 2025 and that the defense awaits new reports from the Civil Guard regarding searches and seized electronic devices.
During his prior testimony, García focused on explaining the source of cash he used, claiming it came from family rentals managed by his sister and that these incomes were declared to the Tax Agency. The lawyer emphasized that the decision not to testify now does not mean his client has "something to hide."
“"At that time, a full explanation was given, and now, when new information arrives, if there is anything new, we will obviously declare."
Similarly, two investigated brothers of the former president, an official from the Development Area, and an implicated businessman also invoked their right to remain silent, concluding the series of hearings that began on June 4th.
For his part, the lawyer for the popular accusation representing the PSOE, Javier Salvador, lamented the "lack of collaboration" from most of the investigated individuals. However, he highlighted the "enormous weight" of the interrogation round in outlining the alleged scheme and role distribution. He noted that the few who did testify allowed for the "formalization, in a way, of the map of people involved, what they did, and how they acted."
The prosecution believes the criminal organization operated through "small fiefdoms" with "local bosses" and that, just two days after the pandemic was declared, they were already considering the "business opportunity" presented by the acquisition of sanitary material. Lawyer José María Terrés added that the "enormous amount of documentation" gathered in the investigation "will speak for itself."
In his initial appearance, García could not provide a concrete answer regarding WhatsApp messages with cryptic language about alleged "kickbacks" exchanged with vice-presidents Giménez and Liria. One message from García to the 'Naranjito' group included a molar emoji minutes after signing a decree for over two million euros for sanitary material, a contract that the UCO estimates had a 42.27% cost overrun.
The former president attributed the signing of thousands of contracts to the "everyday nature" of his duties, assuring they passed through filters and controls without his direct involvement in the contracting committees. However, he did not specifically reference the contract for masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment, which was substantial at the pandemic's outset.
García also attempted to clarify his use of cash, which he handled with two investigated brothers, amid suspicions of money laundering. He indicated the cash originated from family rentals inherited from his parents in Balanegra, where payments were made in person due to tenant tradition, and that these incomes were declared to the Tax Agency. He estimated earning between 160,000 and 180,000 euros since 2016.
He detailed that his sister managed the collections and kept the funds in a common "pot" for repairs and other needs. At his sister's home, 7,620 euros were found in a safe with a note stating the money belonged to Javier Aureliano. Regarding suspicions of using irregular funds to pay for a property inherited in Almerimar, he asserted that payments were made with cash from rentals, thus not appearing in bank accounts.
He added that the mortgage for that property remained in his sister's name after their parents' death because the bank did not allow subrogation, although he covered the monthly payments. He also attributed about 20,000 euros used for the purchase of a property in Rodalquilar to his rental savings.
