07:49 AM EDT, 03/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria ( BBVA ) is facing a proposed 181.8 million euro ($208.16 million) fine from Spain's anti-corruption prosecutor over its alleged role in a corporate spying scandal, Reuters reported Thursday, citing a document it has seen.

The case stems from a broader probe into companies that hired a firm linked to former police commissioner Jose Manuel Villarejo for alleged illegal operations between 2004 and 2016, the report said.

Prosecutors are also seeking up to 173 years in prison for the bank's former chairman Francisco Gonzalez, though sentencing limits cap any term to 15 years, the report added.

BBVA did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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