In July 2019, former minister José Luis Ábalos sent a letter to then Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó. In this message, he expressed his willingness to make both public and private Spanish companies available to Venezuela, offering any resources that could benefit the country. Ábalos also stated that Víctor de Aldama had been appointed as his representative in these matters. Aldama was tasked not only with delivering the letter but also serving as a liaison between the parties.
The document became part of a large-scale investigation led by the Spanish Civil Guard. Case materials indicate that Ábalos and Aldama had a close relationship, which investigators believe may have developed long before the letter was sent. They maintain that this connection allowed Aldama to secure special authority and access to key decisions.
Million-euro transfers
The investigation revealed that Víctor de Aldama and his partner Claudio Rivas set up a complex scheme involving a network of companies. According to investigators, these structures were used to make payments totaling around one million euros. The funds were allegedly intended to persuade former transport minister Ábalos and other officials to make decisions favorable to the businessmen.
Special attention is given to the company Villafuel S.L., which received a license to operate with petroleum products. Investigators believe the permit was issued with violations, and that the company later evaded taxes. According to the investigation, Rivas actively used Aldama’s connections to speed up obtaining the necessary documents and permits.
Influence and Mediation
Case files indicate that Aldama acted as a mediator between businessmen and ministries, using his influence to advance the interests of his partners. It is claimed that he and Ábalos received material benefits in return. Another company appears in the scheme—Have Got Time S.L.—which, according to investigators, handled illicit payments totaling more than 49 million euros in 2021–2022.
Investigators believe the organized group managed to infiltrate not only the Ministry of Transport, but also the Ministry of Industry and the Ecological Transition. This allowed them to access information and speed up bureaucratic procedures in the interests of their companies.
Personal Ties and Proposals
During the investigation, numerous correspondences between the case participants were examined. In one of them, dated June 2020, the daughter of businesswoman Carmen Pano tells her partner that Ábalos offered her a job on his advisory staff. She declined, despite the high salary promised, citing personal dislike for the minister and concerns about her reputation.
In the correspondence, she notes that she does not want to be involved in dubious schemes, even despite the financial gain. According to her, Ábalos was a man who always expected favors in return for his help, and she did not want to have any dealings with him.
Profiles of those involved
The investigation materials contain unflattering descriptions of the former minister. He is referred to as the ‘Godfather’ and other derogatory terms are used. These details highlight the tension and mistrust prevailing among the participants.
Investigators continue to analyze documents, correspondence, and financial flows to establish all the circumstances of the case. The focus remains on the links between politicians, businessmen, and companies, as well as the possible influence on government decision-making.
