Break-in at Ospina Abogados: Vito Quiles' file stolen after arrest warrant lifted
Several individuals entered the Madrid offices of Ospina Abogados on Saturday night, deactivated the alarm, and stole only the physical case file of communicator Vito Quiles, the firm said. The break-in came a day after a judge lifted an arrest warrant for Quiles in a case involving former vice president María Jesús Montero.
The break-in
Around 22:30 on Saturday, several individuals entered the Madrid offices of Ospina Abogados, the law firm representing communicator Vito Quiles. According to the firm, they deactivated the alarm without causing visible damage to the entrance door. The intruders went directly to the physical case file of Quiles and stole it, leaving other documents and valuables untouched. The entire sequence was recorded by the office's CCTV system, and the footage has been handed over to the National Police, who are investigating.
Whoever did this clearly knew exactly what they were looking for.
Legal context
The break-in occurred one day after a Madrid judge lifted an arrest warrant for Quiles. The warrant had been issued after he failed to appear for several court summons. On Friday, Quiles presented himself at the Plaza de Castilla courts, and the judge, Rosa María Freire, subsequently cancelled the warrant. Quiles is now cited as a defendant in a case related to former government vice president María Jesús Montero, with a hearing scheduled for 20 July at 12:00.
- Judge Rosa María Freire lifts arrest warrant for Quiles after he appears in court.
- Break-in at Ospina Abogados; Quiles' case file stolen.
- Quiles scheduled to testify as defendant in case related to María Jesús Montero.
Accusations of political motive
Quiles and his lawyer have publicly suggested the break-in was a professional operation with political motivations. The lawyer, in a statement, called it the work of "authentic professionals" and directly accused the government, describing it as "corrupt" and a "mafia". He urged the public to "raise your voice", adding that "today it's my law firm but tomorrow it could be any of you". Quiles posted on social media that the incident "stinks of sewer, of political operation" and questioned whether it was a coincidence given his upcoming legal proceedings. The government has not issued any response; Moncloa had no scheduled activities for ministers or the Socialist Party leadership on Sunday.
Does this also count as a 'media show' on my part and happened by mere coincidence, right? Shameless scoundrels.
Investigation
The National Police are investigating the break-in. The law firm has stated that the intruders acted with a high degree of knowledge and coordination, disabling the alarm without unnecessary damage. No arrests have been reported. Quiles said he will take legal action if the incident is linked to him.
