Supreme Court Investigates Payments to Ex-Minister Ábalos Amid Koldo Case
The Supreme Court judge, Leopoldo Puente, overseeing the controversial Koldo case, has formally requested the Ministry of Transport to furnish information regarding payments exceeding 500,000 euros made to former minister José Luis Ábalos. These payments have been categorized as 'Exempt Income and Allowances Exempt from Taxation.'
This decision arises from a request initiated by the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard. In a report dated April 28, investigators urged a closer examination of the appropriateness of requiring the Ministry to provide a comprehensive account of all payments made to Ábalos, particularly those processed by the central paying agency.
In response, Judge Puente has ordered the Ministry to deliver a detailed report within fifteen days. The report must include specific insights into the payments made to the investigated individual for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019, amounting to 156,440.29 euros and 351,992.72 euros respectively, under the aforementioned tax exemption designation.
The implications of this inquiry could be significant, raising questions about transparency and accountability within government financial dealings. The public awaits further clarification on the rationale behind these payments and their categorization as exempt income, which may shed light on the conducts that led to this judicial review.
As the investigation unfolds, it draws attention to the broader issues of financial governance in public office and sets the stage for potential legal repercussions based on the findings that may emerge from the Ministry's disclosures.
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