A large-scale investigation into fuel tax fraud continues in Spain, with entrepreneurs Víctor de Aldama and Claudio Rivas at the center of the case. Investigators believe they led a complex structure designed to evade taxes and launder money through a network of companies involved in the hydrocarbons trade.
Complex scheme and the role of front men
According to investigators, at least 11 individuals were involved in the scheme, identified by law enforcement as ‘front men.’ Their role was to register companies in their own names and conceal the true operations, making it harder to trace financial flows. One such individual, Javier Sequi, was arrested in October 2024 in Tarragona along with other group members. At the time, he exercised his right to remain silent and refused to testify.
However, nearly a year later, Sequi unexpectedly approached the National Court, offering to testify voluntarily. His decision could prove pivotal in a case involving dozens of companies and sums exceeding 230 million euros, allegedly obtained through fraudulent schemes between 2021 and 2024.
Details of the investigation and new testimony
The investigation revealed that Aldama and Rivas controlled seven companies used to carry out illegal fuel operations. Among them are Obaoil 3000, Salamanca Fuel Center, Canary Islands Fuel Company, Casmar Hidrocarburos, Carburantes Jalón-Plaza, Skyward Tech, and Espaeventos. These firms were engaged in purchasing fuel from tax warehouses and reselling it without paying taxes.
Investigators are focusing particularly on the company Salamanca Fuel Center S.L., headed by Secchi after Félix Aparicio. According to the investigation, this firm was used to funnel funds to Portugal in order to hinder tracking. Salamanca Fuel Center is believed to be involved in fraud amounting to over €34 million.
Financial difficulties and the request to unfreeze assets
In his appeal to the judge, Secchi stated that his accounts have been frozen, making him unable to pay for housing and utilities. He is requesting a partial unfreezing to cover basic expenses and continue his professional activities. The defense argues that this new strategy—agreeing to testify—will help clarify the circumstances of the case and protect Secchi’s interests.
The court scheduled the interrogation for December 9, but the lawyers are petitioning to postpone it due to involvement in other proceedings. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, and the list of suspects and associated companies keeps growing.
Connections between suspects and international transfers
The investigation revealed that through Salamanca Fuel Center and other companies, funds were transferred to the accounts of Atmosferaudaz, a firm registered in Portugal and managed by Aldama. In a short span, more than €3.7 million was transferred. Félix Aparicio, Secchi’s predecessor as director of Salamanca Fuel Center, is considered a close associate of Aldama and, according to investigators, visited Ibiza together with him in the summer of 2024.
In June 2025, the Supreme Court of Spain denied Aldama permission to travel to Portugal, finding his professional arguments unconvincing. This decision delivered yet another blow to those involved in the case, who had attempted to use international connections to conceal assets.
Ongoing investigation and case outlook
The fuel fraud case remains one of the largest in modern Spain, involving dozens of companies, complex financial schemes, and millions of euros moved abroad. The testimony of Javier Sequi may shed light on the inner workings of the criminal network and influence the direction of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the courts continue to review the defendants’ motions as investigators work to unravel the complex web of financial flows linking Spain and Portugal. Further interrogations and new documents are expected to bring authorities closer to fully exposing the scheme and holding all those involved accountable.
