Manuel García-Castellón Bastos is a Spanish judge of the National Court whose name has been regularly present in Spain’s public debate because he has led some of the country’s most prominent criminal investigations. Born in 1947, he is currently judge of Central Investigating Court No. 6 of the National Court, a post from which he has handled politically and institutionally sensitive proceedings.
Professional career
Manuel García-Castellón Bastos has served as a judge of the National Court since 1988, with periods of leave of absence during that time. The National Court is Spain’s central criminal court for serious offences with national or transnational dimensions, and his career has been closely associated with that jurisdiction.
Among the main documented milestones in his career are:
- 1988–present: Judge of the National Court, including service as investigating judge in major criminal proceedings.
- 2010–2014: Liaison judge in Italy, a role that involved institutional judicial cooperation between Spain and Italy.
- Service as investigating judge in several cases that have attracted wide public and political attention, including the Koldo, Tsunami, Pegasus and Villarejo cases.
As an investigating judge, García-Castellón has been responsible for directing inquiries, authorising procedural measures where legally appropriate, and determining whether cases should proceed to trial or be archived, subject to review by higher courts when challenged.
Public relevance and open cases
Manuel García-Castellón has appeared regularly in Spanish public debate because he has been involved in cases touching on alleged corruption, organised crime, public procurement, espionage and public order offences. His profile became especially prominent through his role in investigations that have been followed closely by the media, political parties and civil society.
Open judicial proceedings
The following proceedings have been associated with his judicial activity in the National Court, always under investigation unless a different procedural status is expressly established by a court:
- Koldo case — before the National Court and other judicial bodies involved in the wider inquiry, linked to alleged corruption-related offences in public contracting and procurement. The presumption of innocence applies to all persons under investigation.
- Tsunami case — before the National Court, linked to alleged terrorism-related offences in the context of protest and disruption actions. Any person mentioned in the proceedings remains presumed innocent unless convicted by final judgment.
- Pegasus case — before the National Court, connected to alleged offences arising from the reported surveillance and intrusion into communications. The case has had major political relevance due to the reported targeting of public figures and institutions.
- Villarejo case — before the National Court, concerning alleged corruption, bribery, disclosure of secrets and related offences in a broader corruption and police-intelligence context.
These proceedings have made García-Castellón a familiar figure in Spanish political news, especially when his rulings or investigative decisions have affected senior officials, parties, activists or business figures.
No final conviction of Manuel García-Castellón Bastos is known from the information provided here. This profile therefore does not state any conviction as fact.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Manuel García-Castellón Bastos? He is a Spanish judge of the National Court, born in 1947, known for overseeing high-profile criminal investigations with national political relevance.
What court does he serve in? He serves at Central Investigating Court No. 6 of the National Court in Spain, one of the country’s most significant criminal courts.
Why is he often in the news? He has led investigations in cases that have drawn substantial attention in Spain, including the Koldo, Tsunami, Pegasus and Villarejo proceedings.
Did he work abroad? Yes. Between 2010 and 2014, he served as liaison judge in Italy, supporting judicial cooperation between the two countries.
Has he been convicted of any offence? No final conviction is identified in the available information. This profile only addresses his judicial career and public role.