In Madrid, Judge Ismael Moreno, who is overseeing the Koldo case, has rejected the request from the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) to limit the scope of information on cash payments from 2017 to 2024. The party is now required to provide a complete list of all payments made, regardless of the recipient. This list must include not only employees and party officials, but also volunteers and supporters who received funds.
The judge also insisted that PSOE submit all supporting documentation related to these transactions. This decision was made as part of an investigation examining the system of cash reimbursements to former minister José Luis Ábalos and his ex-assistant Koldo García. Investigators are checking whether these payments were connected to illegal schemes, including possible money laundering or embezzlement.
Investigation details
During the proceedings, the court ordered PSOE’s central office on Ferraz street to provide, within ten days, comprehensive information on all cash payments made over seven years. Each transaction must be accompanied by relevant supporting documents. The party, for its part, sought to clarify whether it was required to disclose information only regarding those implicated in the case or about all payments, citing confidentiality and data protection concerns.
However, Judge Moreno did not accept these arguments. He emphasized that in order to clarify the circumstances of the case, all information is needed, not just data on the suspects. The prosecution supported this view, noting that only full access to the documents would allow investigators to determine how cash funds were raised and distributed within the party.
Arguments of the parties
Case materials indicate that it is still unclear how PSOE came to have significant amounts of cash at its disposal, which were then used to reimburse expenses for both suspects and other individuals. The judge noted that this practice was not isolated but occurred regularly. This raised questions with investigators and became one of the reasons for expanding the scope of the requested information.
The party stated that it respects the court’s decision and is ready to comply with all requirements. In its statement, it stressed that PSOE adheres to principles of transparency and that its financial statements undergo regular checks and audits. Nevertheless, party representatives expressed concern that the disclosure of full information could affect the rights of third parties.
Reaction and consequences
The court’s decision marks another stage in a high-profile investigation that has already drawn public attention and sparked heated debate in political circles. The focus is now not only on certain individuals but also on the entire system of financial transactions within one of the country’s largest parties.
It remains unclear whether the full disclosure of data will lead to new charges or expand the circle of suspects. However, it is already evident that the court intends to ensure maximum transparency in this case, despite attempts to restrict access to information. In the coming weeks, documents are expected to be handed over, after which investigators will continue to analyze the information received.
