Spainβs Supreme Court is once again in the spotlight, this time over a high-profile case involving the procurement of medical masks during the pandemic. Debate erupted around the decision of Judge Leopoldo Puente, who declined to require bail from businessman VΓctor de Aldama despite a request from former Transport Ministry advisor Koldo GarcΓa. In contrast to Aldama, the court set bail at 60,000 euros for JosΓ© Luis Γbalos and GarcΓa, citing the need to secure potential payments in the event of civil lawsuits.
The judge emphasized that financial guarantees are necessary only for defendants who may face civil liability. According to investigators, it was Γbalos and GarcΓa who are suspected of involvement in crimes related to illegal enrichment through state contracts. Aldama, despite his role in the scheme, was excluded from this group of responsibility, raising eyebrows among other figures in the case.
Arguments presented
GarcΓaβs defense team tried to persuade the court to extend the bail requirement to Aldama as well. In their view, the businessman has far greater financial resources than the former minister and his adviser. They cited Aldamaβs lavish lifestyle as evidence: private jets, renting a luxury villa in Ibiza at β¬4,000 per night, premium cars, and expensive restaurant bills. According to the lawyers, all this demonstrates his ability to cover any potential losses.
However, Judge Puente rejected these arguments, stating that GarcΓaβs defense has no right to request measures be applied to another defendant. He also reminded the parties that bail was imposed not to justify pretrial detention, but solely to guarantee future payments to the affected companies, Ineco and Tragsatec. According to investigators, it was in these state entities that Abalosβs former partner secured a job thanks to his influence and GarcΓaβs assistance.
Financial troubles
In his statement to the court, GarcΓa insisted that he and Abalos are in an extremely difficult financial situation. He claimed they barely have enough to pay lawyers and mortgages, while Aldama enjoys enviable financial independence. The defense even referred to media reports detailing the entrepreneurβs high standard of living.
Nevertheless, the court remained firm. The decision notes that neither GarcΓa nor Γbalos can request precautionary measures against the other participants in the proceedings. Furthermore, the judge emphasized that the issue of bail is not related to their detention in the Soto del Real prison in Madrid, where they have been held since late November.
Case outlook
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Γbalos and GarcΓa face up to 30 years in prison. For Aldama, however, prosecutors and the accusers, notably Partido Popular, are seeking just seven years, taking into account his admission of guilt. All three are on trial for allegedly accepting bribesβboth cash and various servicesβin exchange for awarding contracts to Soluciones de GestiΓ³n S.L., a company linked to Aldama, for the supply of masks at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hearings revealed that it was the connections and influence of former officials that allowed public contracts to end up in the hands of private entities. This has sparked public outrage and raised questions about the transparency of budget allocation during the crisis.
Public reaction
The courtβs decision not to require bail for Aldama provoked a strong response in Spanish society. Many are questioning why individuals involved in the same case face such different circumstances. This is felt particularly acutely against the backdrop of claims about the former officialsβ financial hardships and the entrepreneurβs apparent prosperity.
However, the judge remained faithful to the letter of the law and was not swayed by emotional arguments. As a result, Γbalos and GarcΓa remain in custody, and their future now depends on the outcome of the upcoming trial. The mask case has once again become a symbol of the fight against corruption in Spain, with its developments closely followed not only by journalists but also by ordinary citizens.
