A football coach from Logroño has been detained by the National Police on charges that include five counts of corruption against minors and three additional offenses. The authorities describe the case as involving serious abuse of trust with young players. The accused allegedly targeted eight boys between the ages of 5 and 18, promising them professional contracts in return for compliance, which is a pattern that officials say signals predatory intent alongside a climate of manipulation.
Officials from the Provincial Judicial Police Brigade, led by Eduardo Esteban, labeled the detainee as an alleged sexual predator. The investigation has also linked the individual to online material involving child exploitation and three other sexual offenses against minors conducted online or in settings associated with caregiving. The claim underscores a broader concern about how predators may operate both in person and through digital channels to reach vulnerable youths.
At a press conference, Esteban provided details about the operation. The conference was attended by regional authorities, including the government delegate for La Rioja Beatriz Arraiz, senior National Police officials, Manuel Laguna, and Zita Casacallana, the inspector of the Family and Women’s Care Unit UFAM in La Rioja. Their presence reflected the seriousness with which the case is being treated and the collaborative effort between police entities and social services to safeguard minors.
Initial inquiries began last June after a complaint alleging that the coach had engaged in sexual abuse of a minor. The investigation intensified and culminated in the detention of the suspect last August. During the operation, investigators seized the suspect’s mobile phone and a tablet containing a substantial amount of multimedia files—approximately 63,000 items—that included sexual content involving minors. The discovery of such material is a critical part of the case, providing crucial context for the alleged offenses and underscoring the imperative for swift, protective action to prevent further harm.
The case highlights the vigilance required across sports communities to detect early warning signs of abuse and the need for clear reporting channels when concerns arise. Local authorities emphasize that safeguarding minors must remain a top priority, with coaches, families, and institutions maintaining rigorous standards of supervision and accountability. The investigation continues as prosecutors assess all charges and evaluate additional evidence gathered in the wake of the operation, with the aim of ensuring a transparent and just process for the victims and their families.