In a controversial statement, Alvise Pérez, a member of the European Parliament (MEP), has admitted to receiving €100,000 in cash without declaring it. The money came from Álvaro Romillo, head of Madeira Invest Club, and was meant to help cover expenses for Pérez’s political campaign.
Despite acknowledging the undeclared payment, Pérez defended his actions in a video posted on social media, where he criticised Spain’s tax system and justified his decision as a form of self-protection.
“I am guilty, but it’s justified”
The Spanish MEP didn’t hold back in his video confession, stating, “I’m guilty, but I don’t need a judge to tell me that.” He explained that the payment was part of his work as a freelancer and was done in cash to avoid high taxes. He framed his actions as a response to what he called “fiscal terrorism” by the government, encouraging others to avoid taxes wherever possible.
“Who hasn’t made small moral sacrifices to get where they are?” Pérez asked, implying that many people would have acted similarly in his situation. He positioned himself as a fighter against corruption but normalised his own actions by claiming that “everyone who depends on the system is corrupted.”
Fallout and accusations
This admission comes after Álvaro Romillo, the man who gave Pérez the money, reported him to the State Prosecutor’s Office. Romillo has also been implicated in financial scandals and is currently being investigated for fraud. Pérez has now shifted his narrative, calling Romillo a “criminal” and accusing him of betraying their relationship. According to Pérez, Romillo fled to Dubai to avoid prosecution, claiming the Spanish government allowed it in exchange for his cooperation against Pérez.
Denials turned confessions
Previously, Pérez denied any relationship with Romillo, but after being accused, he admitted to the connection. Romillo’s report to the Supreme Court Prosecutor includes evidence of conversations where Pérez allegedly requested financial help for his campaign. These messages contradicted Pérez’s earlier claims of having no involvement with Romillo.
Ongoing investigation
As the investigation unfolds, Pérez remains unapologetic. He stands by his decision to accept the money and refuses to engage in further legal battles, declaring that he won’t allow himself to be “muzzled” by politics. Meanwhile, the Spanish authorities continue to investigate him for illegal campaign financing, a charge that could have serious consequences for his political future.
Romillo, who has shut down his Madeira Invest Club, has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Spanish judiciary, handing over documents that reveal his ties to Pérez.
Also read: The illegality of cash payments