Spanish National Police Chief Inspector Who Took Down Crooked Politician Faces “Phony” Drug Charges

Framed by dirty cops?

The incarceration of Francisco Moar, the retired Chief Inspector once celebrated for dismantling a major political corruption ring in the Canary Islands, has shaken Spain’s law-enforcement ranks. Yet as prosecutors outline their case, an alternative narrative is quietly taking root inside the National Police: one that suggests Moar may not be the delinquent authorities claim, but the target of an internal vendetta.

Moar, known for his early role in exposing a scandal involving the powerful politician Tito Berni, was busted in late April on accusations of drug trafficking, money laundering, document forgery, and association with a delinquent organization. Investigators reported finding 145 grams of cocaine in his home, an amount classified as suitable for trafficking under Spanish law. But beneath the official storyline, another version circulates.

Several officers familiar with internal dynamics, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say that there is growing suspicion within the force that Moar may have been framed. According to these officials, Moar’s handling of the Mediador case, which touched politically sensitive figures and exposed uncomfortable truths, triggered deep resentment among certain factions. His clashes with superiors over the direction of that investigation are said to have left lasting scars inside the organization. Some insiders claim that the cocaine recovered in his residence was planted, describing the circumstances of the search as “highly irregular” and “too convenient.” The allegations reflect the long-standing tensions within the force, tensions that Moar himself once alluded to in internal complaints about pressure and retaliation.

Moar built a reputation as a forceful investigator willing to pursue corruption at high levels. His work in the Mediador affair earned him praise in some quarters and hostility in others, particularly after he challenged certain operational decisions and questioned the handling of sensitive evidence. Those familiar with his trajectory say that his insistence on pursuing leads wherever they pointed created powerful adversaries who “never forgave” his approach. His removal from the Mediador case, followed by his early retirement, signaled to many that he had become increasingly isolated inside the institution.

Prosecutors allege that Moar used his position and experience to protect a delinquent organization tied to businessman Mohamed Jamil Derbah, who is currently held in pre-trial custody on narcotics charges. Two additional officers, one active and the other retired, were also busted in the operation and are suspected of providing sensitive police information and logistical support. But several sources within the force argue that Moar’s visibility and proximity to sensitive political investigations made him an ideal target if someone sought to undermine him. The suddenness of the accusations, paired with his contentious history inside the institution, has fueled internal speculation that he may have been strategically selected as a suspect.

Investigative authorities have declined to answer questions about whether they are examining the possibility of planted evidence or internal interference. Public statements have emphasized confidence in the integrity of the operation. Legal observers not connected to the case note that allegations of framing often emerge in politically fraught investigations, especially when internal rivalries intersect with high-profile scandals. Yet they also caution that such claims remain unsubstantiated unless supported by verifiable proof.

The case has plainly exposed a deep rift within Spain’s National Police. For some, Moar’s incarceration signifies a rigorous approach to tackling delinquent activity, regardless of an officer’s rank or past achievements. For others, it raises the more troubling prospect that the tools of law enforcement can be redirected against those who challenge powerful politicians. Moar has made no public statements since his initial court appearance. Judicial proceedings remain ongoing, and his legal representatives have offered no comment.

In Tenerife, where he was once seen as a symbol of accountability, the central question now resonates more sharply than ever: Was Francisco Moar a fallen officer, or the casualty of a long-brewing internal conflict? For now, the answer remains uncertain. But the debate surrounding his case has forced the country to confront the fragile boundary between justice and power, and the vulnerabilities of those tasked with upholding the law.