Koldo García, former advisor to ex-minister José Luis Ábalos, is back in the spotlight after being taken to the Audiencia Nacional to testify in the case concerning mask purchases during the pandemic. This time, his visit to the judge was extremely brief: García exercised his right to remain silent, citing the lack of access to all case materials. According to his lawyers, he has not been able to review the seized electronic devices and other evidence, which they argue puts him at a disadvantage compared to the prosecution.
The court hearing took place just hours after García was placed in the Soto del Real detention center by order of Judge Leopoldo Puente. Former minister Ábalos was also put in the same cell, stirring even more attention to the case. According to those close to them, both defendants were not allowed to change clothes after their arrest, and their legal team has already announced plans to appeal the custody order.
Arrest and New Charges
For Koldo García, this is not his first arrest: he was first detained back in February 2024, but at that time he managed to avoid being held in custody. Since then, the investigation has expanded, and he is now accused of involvement in a large-scale scheme to sell medical masks, as well as allegedly receiving illegal commissions from government contracts. Investigators claim the scheme was centered not only around García, but also involved Abalos himself and businessman Víctor de Aldama.
The anti-corruption prosecutor is seeking nearly 20 years in prison for García. Judge Puente has ordered García and Abalos to be remanded in custody, citing a high flight risk. At the same time, the defense insists that their clients do not have all the information needed for a proper defense and promises to appeal the arrest.
Investigation expands as new suspects emerge
The mask procurement case has turned out to be only part of a broader scheme now under review by the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo) and the National Court. García remains under investigation not only for the mask episode but also on suspicion of taking kickbacks in the allocation of government contracts. Earlier, another suspect—Santos Cerdán—was also arrested as part of this investigation.
Investigators have paid particular attention to contracts for the supply of medical goods to the government of the Canary Islands (Gobierno de Canarias) during the period when the region was led by Ángel Víctor Torres, now Minister for Territorial Policy and Historical Memory. The investigation is looking into whether there were any violations in these deals and who might have benefited from them.
Statements from participants and the political reaction
On Thursday, businessman Víctor de Aldama testified at the National Court and, after the hearing, made a striking statement that Minister Torres should be ‘seriously concerned’ about what is happening. According to Aldama, he met with Torres in the summer of 2020 to discuss mask and coronavirus test supplies. The minister categorically denies such a meeting ever took place and calls the accusations a ‘farce,’ emphasizing that Aldama has no evidence.
Meanwhile, García and his defense continue to insist on full access to the case files in order to provide a comprehensive statement. For now, he has chosen to exercise his right to remain silent rather than risk putting himself in a losing position.
As RUSSPAIN.COM previously reported, the National Court judge already summoned Koldo García and Víctor de Aldama regarding mask procurement in the Canary Islands. The investigation at that time was focused on the possible influence of the former regional head on payments amounting to 7.5 million euros. Read more about this in our previous article.
