Businessman Alleges Commissions Linked to Former Minister in Mask Contracts
Businessman Víctor de Aldama testified before the Supreme Court on Monday, making serious allegations against former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos. According to de Aldama, Ábalos received commissions linked to mask contracts awarded to an alleged scheme orchestrated by former ministerial advisor Koldo García. This testimony marks the second time de Aldama has appeared in court regarding the so-called Koldo case; his earlier testimony was given before National Court judge Ismael Moreno, prior to the Supreme Court assuming jurisdiction.
During his more than three hours of questioning by Judge Leopoldo Puente, de Aldama reportedly shifted responsibility squarely onto Ábalos and García, failing to implicate any new members of Pedro Sánchez's government. He reiterated previous claims that he paid 15,000 euros to the PSOE's organizational secretary, Santos Cerdán, along with additional commissions that he alleges were given to both Ábalos and García.
Moreover, de Aldama revealed that he had covered the rent for three Airbnb apartments in Madrid that were visited by Ábalos and Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, along with their companions. To support his allegations, de Aldama presented the court with copies of WhatsApp conversations and a handwritten document alongside prior written evidence he had submitted.
The businessman arrived at the court accompanied by his lawyer and Daniel Esteve, the owner of the company Desokupa, who escorted him to the side entrance. Esteve did not enter the courthouse but was seen picking up de Aldama after the proceedings. This unfolding situation raises serious implications regarding governmental integrity and accountability as the investigation into the Koldo case continues.
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