Spain is poised to replace its Ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, following allegations of misusing embassy funds for personal gain.
Spain is likely to replace its Ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, over alleged allegations of taking financial favors from an Indian firm and using public funds to promote cultural events. According to Spanish media outlet – The Objective – the Spanish Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s office received a report earlier in May that mentioned that Antonio was allegedly promoting a singer for events in India using embassy funds.
Antonio is accused of allegedly using embassy funds and seeking support from businesses to promote international singers with no relations with Spain.
Further, according to The Objective, Antonio is also allegedly accused of striking a personal deal with an India visa processing firm for a 5000-Euro contribution to the cultural event in Rajasthan. The firm is known to handle visa-processing services for the Spanish Embassy in India and also for other Spanish diplomatic missions.
He is accused of using diplomatic outreach and Spanish embassy funds for organising events. According to media reports, Juan Antonio March has already left the country and a new envoy is expected to replace him within a few weeks.
