Ex-minister Ábalos sentenced to 24 years in Spain's COVID mask scandal

A Spanish court has delivered a significant judicial and political blow to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government with the sentencing of former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos in the 'Koldo case.' This major corruption scandal involves alleged irregularities in COVID-19 mask procurement contracts.

Ábalos, who was also the organizational secretary of the PSOE party and instrumental in Sánchez's 2017 ascent, received a sentence of 24 years and 3 months. He was convicted on charges including criminal association, corruption, embezzlement, and influence peddling. His former advisor, Koldo García, was sentenced to 19 years and 8 months, while businessman Victor de Aldama had his sentence suspended for cooperating with investigators.

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have constituted an authentic criminal organization

The court found that the three defendants had formed a criminal organization with a clear division of responsibilities to gain illicit profits. Ábalos allegedly received a monthly 'fixed compensation' of 10,000 euros, along with benefits such as the hiring of two associates and personal/real estate advantages, in exchange for facilitating public contracts to companies controlled by de Aldama.

This ruling has intensified pressure on Sánchez, who has denied any knowledge of the affair. Opposition leaders from the People's Party and Vox have renewed calls for Sánchez's resignation and early elections. The case continues to cast a shadow over Sánchez's administration, which had promised a period of 'democratic regeneration' when it came to power.

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grave deterioration of citizen trust