Major Arrest in VAT Fraud Case: The Koldo Plot Unveiled
The National Court, under the jurisdiction of Judge Santiago Pedraz, has recently issued an order for the unconditional imprisonment of Víctor de Aldama, a key figure in the Koldo plot. This order is part of an extensive investigation into alleged VAT fraud in the hydrocarbons sector, with claims of fraudulent activities exceeding a staggering 180 million euros.
In a series of rulings made public on Thursday, Judge Pedraz linked de Aldama to his associate Claudio Rivas, who has also been remanded in custody. Rivas’ sister, María Luisa Rivas, has been subjected to less severe precautionary measures, which include mandatory court appearances every fifteen days and the revocation of her passport.
The investigations reveal a complex corporate network accused of laundering massive sums of money obtained through fraudulent means, as well as orchestrating a scheme to defraud VAT authorities. It is estimated that this network has committed VAT fraud totaling approximately 182.5 million euros. The judge's findings imply that this operation not only engaged in tax evasion but also facilitated the laundering of illicit funds by channeling the proceeds through various suppliers and subsequently into the bank accounts of the implicated companies.
The Central Operational Unit (UCO) indicated that de Aldama is seen as the pivotal link in the Koldo case, reportedly infiltrating the governmental system through his associated businesses. Evidence presented by UCO agents paints a comprehensive picture of de Aldama's considerable influence and operations within this fraudulent scheme.
In a troubling revelation, it was disclosed that on October 10, companies were strategically established to sell fuel, only to vanish later or enter into creditor competitions or liquidation processes as a means to evade VAT payments. The judge's ruling stresses that the funds used for these transactions were fraudulently obtained, emphasizing the depth of the fraud as all monetary transfers are linked to allegedly defrauded VAT quotas.
Furthermore, the criminal network allegedly laundered the money it secured through various means, including the acquisition of movable assets, real estate, luxury wines, jewelry, and other high-value consumer goods. In his ruling, Pedraz leaves open the possibility that there could still be unidentified foreign companies involved in these operations, thereby complicating the recovery of linked assets.
The decision to imprison both de Aldama and Rivas arose from the severity of the charges against them. The judicial authority expressed concern that the significant penalties associated with their alleged crimes could motivate either individual to flee. The ongoing investigations are crucial as they aim to recover as much of the defrauded funds as possible, reinforcing the need for preemptive measures against any potential flight risks.
Last Monday witnessed a wave of arrests, with de Aldama being taken into custody alongside several co-conspirators. Following his arrest, he was transported from the National Court to the Soto del Real prison. Police searches conducted across Madrid, Cáceres, and Salamanca by the UCO aimed at uncovering further details regarding the fraudulent activities linked to government officials have consequently gathered substantial evidence.
This arrest marks a significant development in the Koldo plot investigation, which is focused on the irregularities surrounding government contracts for the purchase of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the case unfolds, the judicial process will continue to examine the extent of the fraudulent network and its connections within the public sector.
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