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MADRID – A trial has begun for nearly 40 people who allegedly took part in a kickbacks-for-contracts scheme in conjunction with the acting ruling Popular Party in what is considered one of the biggest corruption scandals in Spain in recent years.

The so-called Gurtel case comes as party leader and acting premier Mariano Rajoy struggles to form a new government and end a nine-month political impasse following two inconclusive elections.

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The accused include former party treasurers, mid-ranking officials as well as business representatives.

Longtime party treasurer Luis Barcenas told investigators there was always a scheme of illegal contributions and donations to the party and that top officials were aware of it. Rajoy and the party deny his claims.

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The trial beginning Tuesday concerns the scheme’s activities between 1999 and 2005.