The charges come after investigations showed that the bank requested the services of former police officer Jose Manuel Villarejo in order to intercept communications of journalist, politicians and businesspeople.
The former police officer (today in prison) was accused to tap telephone lines and carry out blackmail and treats on behalf of wealthy individuals and the bank.
The investigations showed that officials of the bank used this fraudulent scheme to prevent the sale of the bank to Sacyr.
This probe led to the resignation of the chairman Mr. Francisco Gonzalez.
Source
https://www.dw.com/en/spains-second-largest-bank-bbva-charged-with-corruption/a-49795923