Former Minister José Luis Ábalos Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison

Madrid – 22.06.2026: José Luis Ábalos, former Minister of Transport and close confidant of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been sentenced by the Supreme Court of Spain to a prison term of 24 years and three months. The charges included formation of a criminal organization, bribery, breach of trust, and influence peddling. The final prison term amounts to a maximum of 16 years and six months. In addition to Ábalos, his former advisor Koldo García was sentenced to 19 years and eight months, and businessman Víctor de Aldama to four years and six months in prison. The latter, however, can avoid the prison sentence under conditions such as performing community service and refraining from further offenses.

The conviction is related to the so-called “Koldo case,” which investigates alleged irregularities in the awarding of mask supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to findings, Ábalos, García, and Aldama formed a criminal organization to enrich themselves financially through manipulated public contracts. Among other things, a contract for the procurement of protective masks was awarded to a company close to Aldama. Furthermore, monthly payments of 10,000 euros were made to Ábalos and García. Personal benefits such as rent payments and the hiring of individuals from the former minister’s circle without corresponding work performance were also established.

Víctor de Aldama cooperated with the investigative authorities, leading to a significant reduction in his sentence. The judges emphasized the seriousness of the corruption allegations and their negative impact on public trust in democratic institutions. Corruption damages the foundation of the democratic state and must be pursued consistently.

This case represents another setback for the government of Pedro Sánchez, which is already facing other corruption allegations. In June 2025, the then Secretary General of the PSOE, Santos Cerdán, resigned after being involved in a bribery affair. Sánchez publicly apologized at the time and asserted that he had no knowledge of the allegations.

The recent developments have caused concern in the Spanish political sphere, with numerous opposition parties now demanding consequences and a comprehensive investigation. The verdicts highlight the ongoing challenges Spain faces in combating political corruption. Transparency and accountability remain central demands at all levels of government to restore public trust in democratic institutions.

The sentencing of José Luis Ábalos and his co-defendants marks an important step in the fight against corruption in Spain and is prompting significant political debates that will continue to engage the country in the coming months.