Catalan Business Owners Deny Knowledge of Pujol Family Transfers in Trial

Several Catalan business owners and even a former advisor to Andorran head of government Òscar Ribas have testified in the ongoing 'Pujol case' trial at Spain's National Court that they were unaware of transfers they allegedly received from the family of former Catalan president Jordi Pujol, particularly his eldest son, Jordi Pujol Ferrusola.

The testimony, delivered over recent days, has highlighted apparent irregularities at Banca Reig and its successor Andbank during the 1990s. Witnesses from the construction and textile sectors, who held accounts at these institutions, expressed surprise at the movements linked to Pujol family accounts. Prosecutors sought details on the purpose of these transfers, but many recipients insisted they had no knowledge of them. Some even denied the existence of accounts in their names, questioning why they had been summoned to the trial.

When regularising their finances with Spanish tax authorities, these business owners said they faced no obligations related to the transfers, suggesting the transactions may have been simulated. While a few had professional dealings with the Pujol family, most knew them only through Jordi Pujol i Sòria's political role.

Key upcoming testimonies are expected to clarify these issues. Josep Maria Pallerola, a former Banca Reig manager who handled Pujol family accounts, is set to appear. His role in potentially unusual operations will be scrutinised. Carles Serradel Girbal, a veteran advisor to both the Reig family and Ribas during his executive tenure, has already testified that he received unexplained transfers from the Pujols and received no explanations about them.

Josep Maria Montserrat described 1990s Andorran banking practices, noting the need for in-person visits to access information. He closed his Andbank account due to a lack of transparency and perceived irregularities.

Antoni Zorzano, an Andorran businessman alleged to have acted as a front for Jordi Pujol Ferrusola—who held accounts at Fibanc alongside his ex-wife—is also due to testify. Connections extend further: Fibanc and Andbank were major shareholders in Valora, a now-defunct asset manager suspected of facilitating cash flows from the Pujols to Andorra. The trial continues to examine the origins of those funds.