Why Does the European Public Prosecutor's Office Investigate Corruption in Centers for Unjoined Minors in Canary Islands?

The European Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the alleged diversion of millions of euros intended for the care of unjoined foreign minors (menas) in the Canary Islands. According to the investigations, part of these funds may have been given to the managers of a foundation responsible for the care of the centers. The investigation covers a period of three years during the administration of the regional government led by Ángel Víctor Torres.

Between 2020 and 2022, the Fundación Respuesta Social Siglo XXI received 15.2 million euros in public funding. However, a report from the General Intervention warns that, although the maintenance of the centers was subsidized by the Autonomous Community, there was money from Europe. Some expenses were charged to credits from the European Next Generation program which could constitute an irregularity in the management of the funds.

According to the court order, the investigated parties may have used "different procedures to achieve personal enrichment" using public money intended for the maintenance of these centers. Consequently, the investigation has analyzed bank accounts and expense receipts without finding sufficient support to justify the use of the money.

So far, four executives of the foundation and the organization itself have been charged. The judge in charge of the case indicates that the handling of the funds took place in a context of "irregularities, opacity and lack of control" which may have allowed the accused to obtain illicit economic benefits.

The Tragic Consequences of Afghan Immigration in Germany

Illegal Afghan immigration in Germany has raised concerns due to recent violent incidents. In Munich, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker ran over a group of union protesters injuring at least 27 people. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible attack.

This incident adds to other attacks committed by Afghan refugees in Germany. In August 2024, in Solingen, an Afghan carried out an attack that caused three deaths and eight injuries. Following this attack, the German government deported 28 Afghans with criminal records.

The arrival of Afghan refugees increased after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. According to UNHCR, more than 3.5 million Afghans have been displaced internally or to countries like Germany. This situation has created challenges in integration and security.

Germany has implemented measures to control illegal immigration. In September 2024, it established controls at all its borders to curb the illegal entry of immigrants. These controls, in effect since September 16, have an initial duration of six months.

German migration policy has evolved since the Merkel era. The country has shifted from a welcoming stance to a more restrictive one seeking to balance the need for skilled labor with security concerns.

The new Skilled Immigration Act, which came into force in 2024, facilitates the arrival of skilled workers from third countries. However, laws have also been passed to expedite the deportation of immigrants with expulsion orders.

The integration of Afghan refugees presents significant challenges. Many face cultural and labor barriers and some have been involved in violent incidents that affect public perception.