Television host and lawyer María Victoria Gil Fernández has revealed that her bank accounts in Spain underwent a money laundering investigation.
In an interview with our editorial team on Wednesday, Gil detailed that she was informed of the investigation at a Banco Sabadell branch (Plaza España) when she attempted to manage the account of the building community she presides over.
"You are under investigation for money laundering until all your accounts are verified in Madrid," she recounted being told. A few days later, Gil stated that the bank reviewed her transactions, cleared her activities, and apologized, explaining that it was part of a regulated procedure.
She placed this incident in the context of the legal case involving her brother, former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández. The bank's review occurred shortly after his dismissal and amidst the public exposure of the criminal case.
Gil described the experience as "humiliating," leading her to temporarily sever communication with family in Cuba—a reaction she later called impulsive after learning that her accounts had been cleared without issues.
During the conversation, the host, who resides in the Canary Islands, emphasized that she did not benefit from her brother's position. She defended her professional career and current financial status in Spain, firmly denying any role as a front person.
She asserted that she never received favors or resources from political power and that her assets can be audited.
Providing context to her statements, Gil outlined her brother's case: she recalled that the prosecution accuses him of espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and document forgery, with a prison sentence being sought. She criticized the secrecy surrounding the case since his removal in February 2024 and the subsequent news report announcing the criminal investigation.
Additionally, she claimed to lack details on other accused individuals and noted that the family was officially informed of his arrest a month after he was ousted from office.
Within this framework, Gil maintained that Alejandro Gil should be held accountable for any proven economic crimes but opposed his being made a "scapegoat" for decisions made collectively at the highest levels.
She also criticized the possibility of a closed-door trial, called for transparency, and expressed fear for her brother's life in prison, citing family reports of his declining physical health.
The confirmation that her accounts were scrutinized under anti-money laundering protocols adds another layer to the collateral impact of the case against the former minister: according to María Victoria, the repercussions extend beyond the accused to affect his family, both in Cuba and abroad, in a scenario where media exposure and institutional pressure amplify the personal and professional consequences of the case.
FAQs on María Victoria Gil's Bank Account Investigation
Why were María Victoria Gil's bank accounts investigated?
Her accounts were investigated as part of a regulated procedure to verify any potential money laundering activities, especially in the context of her brother's legal case.
What is the legal situation of Alejandro Gil Fernández?
Alejandro Gil Fernández is facing charges including espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering, with the prosecution seeking a life sentence.
How has the investigation affected María Victoria Gil personally?
The investigation was a humiliating experience for María Victoria Gil, leading her to temporarily cut ties with her family in Cuba. She later learned her accounts had been cleared without issues.