Background
In the wake of the Catalan independence referendum on October 1, 2017, and the subsequent unilateral declaration of independence by the Catalan Parliament on October 27, 2017, the Spanish government faced a significant political crisis. Amid this turmoil, allegations emerged regarding Russian interference aimed at supporting the Catalan independence movement.
Case Volhov
The “Case Volhov” refers to an investigation led by Spanish authorities into alleged Russian involvement in the Catalan independence process. The investigation began after intercepted communications revealed discussions about Russian support for Catalonia, including military and financial aid. Key figures implicated in these discussions included Victor Terradellas, former Secretary of International Relations for Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (CDC), who mentioned the possibility of Russian military support and financial assistance for an independent Catalonia (Antena3) (THE OBJECTIVE).
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Judge Joaquín Aguirre, leading the investigation, opened several cases related to the alleged Russian involvement. Despite various judicial orders to close parts of the investigation due to insufficient evidence, Aguirre continued to pursue new leads. Notably, Carles Puigdemont and Artur Mas, former Catalan presidents, were implicated in the investigation for high treason and embezzlement, alongside other prominent Catalan figures (THE OBJECTIVE).
Current Status
The investigation into the “Case Volhov” remains contentious. The Spanish Audiencia de Barcelona has criticized the prolonged investigation, questioning the justification for its extensions. Nevertheless, the investigation highlights ongoing concerns about foreign interference in domestic political matters, particularly from Russia, which has been accused of leveraging propaganda and cyber tactics to influence political events globally (ElNacional.cat) (THE OBJECTIVE).
Russian Interventions in Spanish History and Recent Events in Europe
| Period/Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 18th Century | Spain | Russian influence in Spain was minimal, mainly focused on diplomacy and trade rather than direct intervention. |
| Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) | Spain | The Soviet Union supported the Spanish Republic with weapons, aircraft, and military advisors to combat Francoist forces. |
| 2014 | Ukraine | Russia annexed Crimea following an internationally unrecognized referendum and supported separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk, destabilizing Ukraine. |
| 2016 | United Kingdom | Russia was accused of interfering in the Brexit referendum through disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks. |
| 2017 | Catalonia, Spain | Investigations suggest Russia indirectly supported the Catalan independence movement through propaganda and disinformation on social media. |
| 2016, 2020 | United States | Russia was accused of interfering in the U.S. presidential elections through cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns. |
| 2022 | Ukraine | Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, causing an ongoing war with severe humanitarian and political consequences. |