Introduction to the Case
On June 23, 2025, at the Supreme Court in Madrid, Koldo García, a former advisor to ex-Minister José Luis Ábalos, arrived to face imminent legal proceedings. The event was documented by Jesús Hellín for Europa Press, highlighting the continuing judicial investigation into alleged misconduct during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Judicial Decisions and Charges
Leopoldo Puente, a judge at Spain’s Supreme Court, formally ordered the initiation of a trial against several individuals involved in what authorities describe as irregularities related to mask procurement contracts awarded to Transportes during the health crisis. The accused include the ex-minister José Luis Ábalos, his former advisor Koldo García, and businessman Víctor de Aldama.
The judge’s decision to proceed to oral trial followed a recent rejection by the Appeals Chamber of motions filed by the defendants to dismiss or challenge the charges. The court specifically charged Ábalos and García with bribery, belonging to a criminal organization, influence peddling, and embezzlement. Víctor de Aldama faces similar charges, and the court ordered the detention of Ábalos and García, citing risks of flight due to the severity of the alleged sentences.
Sentencing Recommendations
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has proposed sentences of 24 years for Ábalos, nineteen and a half years for García, and seven years for de Aldama. Meanwhile, opposition parties, led by the Popular Party (PP), demand higher sentences—up to 30 years of imprisonment for both the former minister and his former advisor. They also request the same term for the businessman as sought by the public prosecutor.
Preventive Detention and Court Rulings
Given the potential risk of flight, both the prosecution and plaintiffs requested the provisional detention of Ábalos and García. The judge agreed with this request, resulting in their incarceration at Soto del Real prison in Madrid since November 28.
Following the decision to divide the case last September, Judge Puente ordered the trial to proceed against the three defendants, focusing initially on the mask contract allegations. The separate investigation pertains to alleged bribe payments in exchange for public works contracts.
