The Madrid High Court has sentenced José Luis Ábalos, the former Transport Minister and one of the most important figures in the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), to 24 years in prison after finding him involved in a corruption scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the court’s ruling, Ábalos was found guilty of criminal organization, corruption, embezzlement of public funds and unlawful influence, in connection with contracts signed for the sale of protective masks during the global health crisis.
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In the same case, his former adviser, Koldo García, was also sentenced, receiving 19 years in prison for participation in a criminal organization and abuse of office.
The ruling, according to the court’s announcement, was reached unanimously. The panel of judges concluded that the defendants set up an organized criminal structure, with divided roles, which carried out serious corrupt acts during the pandemic period.
Businessman Víctor de Aldama is also involved in the case and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. However, his sentence was suspended because of his cooperation with investigators.
According to the investigation, in exchange for awarding public contracts for the supply of millions of masks during the pandemic, Ábalos received additional monthly payments, payments for family travel, personal services and other benefits, including illegal payments.
The case has taken on major political significance in Spain. During his testimony, businessman De Aldama claimed that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stood at the head of an organized network, allegations that have sparked fierce debate on the Spanish political scene.
Ábalos was considered one of Sánchez’s closest associates and a key figure in his political rise. He had also previously served as PSOE’s organizational secretary, ranking among the most influential people within the party.
The investigation and this court ruling are expected to bring further political consequences in Spain, while the case continues to remain at the center of public attention.
