Businessman Víctor De Aldama Testifies Before Supreme Court in Koldo Case
Businessman Víctor De Aldama arrived at the Supreme Court at 9:34 AM on Monday to testify as a key witness in the Koldo case. Judge Leopoldo Puente is leading the investigation into alleged irregularities related to the purchase of medical supplies during the pandemic. De Aldama was accompanied by Daniel Esteve, the owner of Desokupa, who allegedly escorted him to a side entrance of the court building.
Prior to De Aldama's arrival, Esteve hinted at a significant development in a video shared on his social media account, stating, 'Whoever can see De Aldama's arrival at the Supreme Court should watch it, as there will be a surprise.' He expressed belief that there would be unexpected revelations during the proceedings.
According to sources from De Aldama's defense, the businessman is prepared to answer questions from all parties involved in the case. Although he arrived at Marqués de la Ensenada street where media awaited, De Aldama refrained from making any statements.
His testimony follows appearances by former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos, as well as a document submitted by De Aldama to the Supreme Court. This document claims that he had agreed to provide Ábalos with a luxury apartment on Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, valued at 19 million euros, as collateral for payments expected from several construction companies. These payments were allegedly linked to preawarded public works contracts.
De Aldama's document emphasizes a pattern of requests for favors from Ábalos, which included cash payments, in addition to the rent covering the apartment in Torre Madrid, occupied by Ms. JRG, who reportedly had a personal relationship with Ábalos. Further, De Aldama alleged that Ábalos was poised to acquire property on Paseo de la Castellana in exchange for ensuring construction companies were awarded contracts without an open tender process.
In contrast, Ábalos has denied these allegations, asserting during his own statement to the Supreme Court that he did not receive any commissions related to the purchase of medical supplies. Notably, De Aldama, in a previous statement to the National Court, estimated the kickbacks he allegedly arranged for Ábalos to be around 600,000 euros. These purported payments were said to secure contracts for valuable medical supplies, including masks.
Expectation mounts as sources close to De Aldama indicate that he plans to maintain his previous statements during his Supreme Court appearance. He may also provide new evidence, as he hinted during a recent interview with a Colombian radio station. His earlier accusations not only targeted Ábalos but also implicated several officials and government representatives, such as Minister Ángel Víctor Torres and key figures in the PSOE party.
De Aldama's past statements were given while he was in custody for a separate investigation into alleged hydrocarbon fraud led by Judge Santiago Pedraz. Following his testimony, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office requested his release, and he has remained free since then. The developments in the Koldo case continue to unfold as investigations delve deeper into the alleged corruption surrounding pandemic-related contracts.
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