Spanish society once again finds itself at the center of a political scandal that could impact public trust in the country’s key institutions. Questions about transparency in party financing and the international ties of Spanish politicians have become more acute following recent developments at the Audiencia Nacional.
At the heart of the controversy is a mysterious envelope which, according to businessman Víctor de Aldama, contains documents that could shed light on potential illegal financing schemes involving one of the country’s leading parties and the International Socialist Organization. Aldama claims he received this envelope after the high-profile visit of Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to Madrid in 2020—a visit that had already sparked extensive discussion in Spanish media.
The Caracas Envelope
According to testimony, Aldama received the envelope shortly after Delcy Rodríguez arrived in Spain, despite existing sanctions. The envelope, it was revealed, bore the names of Rodríguez herself and then-PDVSA chief Manuel Quevedo. The documents, according to the businessman, concern oil quotas of the Venezuelan state company and may be linked to suspicions of illegal financing of Spanish political structures.
This episode marked a new turn in the investigation of an alleged tax fraud case involving more than 180 million euros, featuring Spanish and Venezuelan businessmen as well as high-ranking officials. Investigators are trying to determine how oil deals may have been used to finance political organizations, including the PSOE and the International Socialist Organization, currently led by the sitting Prime Minister.
Money and Connections
During questioning, Aldama also spoke about financial transactions related to promoting business interests within ministries. According to him, businesswoman Carmen Pano gave him between 40,000 and 50,000 euros to pass on to the then Minister of Transport and his advisor. The aim was to expedite the review of cases involving the company Have Got Time, which operates in the oil sector. Aldama claims he arranged meetings at the Ministerio de Industria and facilitated negotiations with representatives of other companies, but categorically denies any involvement in delivering 90,000 euros to the party headquarters.
He insists that the accusations against him are fabricated, and if Pano had really given him money, there would have been no sense in carrying such a large sum in cash to the party office. At the same time, investigators continue to examine all possibilities, since the case involves large sums and complex networks between business and politics.
The investigation continues
Another key episode also features in the case: a photo of the very envelope, included in the investigation files. The names of both sender and recipient, as well as the date it was received—just two weeks after the controversial visit of the Venezuelan delegation—are clearly visible. This detail adds intrigue and fuels public interest in the investigation, which already involves several judges from the National Court.
While one judge is handling the tax aspects of the case, another is simultaneously examining possible violations in the party’s financial reports. Carmen Pano, who is also a suspect in the case, is expected to be questioned in the near future. She may exercise her right to remain silent or choose to answer only certain questions.
Political repercussions
The story involving the Venezuelan envelope and money transfers has already sparked widespread debate among politicians and ordinary citizens alike. Questions about party financial transparency, international connections, and foreign influence on Spain’s internal affairs have once again come to the forefront of public discussion. The investigation promises further revelations, and society is anxiously awaiting how this story will unfold.
