A new investigation is unfolding at Spain’s National Court concerning the procurement of medical masks during the height of the pandemic. Judge Ismael Moreno has summoned former Transport Ministry advisor Koldo García and businessman Víctor de Aldama for questioning. Both are implicated in a case involving multimillion-euro contracts for personal protective equipment supplied to the Canary Islands.
Investigators took interest in their activities following a report from the Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit. The report details the actions of those involved in the scheme and points to possible intervention by former Canary Islands President and current Minister for Territorial Policy Ángel Víctor Torres. According to prosecutors, he may have facilitated the swift payment of €7.5 million to a company linked to Aldama for mask deliveries at the peak of the pandemic.
The interrogations are scheduled for late November: Aldama is to appear in court on the 27th, and García on November 28. Both are being treated as suspects. The anti-corruption prosecutor’s office believes these contracts may have triggered regular cash payments, which investigators allege Aldama made to García from 2019 to 2022. This money purportedly secured loyalty, influence at the Transport Ministry, and access to key decisions.
Internal ties and corruption suspicions
The case files contain dozens of messages that, according to investigators, demonstrate close ties among the scheme’s participants. In particular, it is noted that the former president of the Canary Islands may have personally taken part in negotiations to settle debt owed to Aldama’s company. Investigators believe that in July 2020, a meeting took place in Madrid between Torres and Aldama, where they discussed delays in payment for the supplied masks.
Torres himself, speaking before a parliamentary committee in November 2024, denied having any personal contact with the businessman. However, after the Civil Guard’s report was published, he was again forced to comment on the situation, insisting he had no relationship with Aldama. Nevertheless, investigators continue to examine whether he may have had any indirect influence on the payment process.
The role of intermediaries and scheme details
Prosecutors state that Koldo García actively facilitated contracts for the emergency procurement of medical supplies for the Canary Islands government. According to investigators, his involvement was not limited to organizational matters — he also oversaw the product certification process and ensured timely payments to the company linked to Aldama.
A key element of the scheme were the monthly payments which, according to the prosecution, enabled García to act in Aldama’s interests and promote his business at the government level. Case materials indicate that this money may have been used to obtain various privileges and access to ministerial circles.
Investigation continues
The court proceedings in the Canary Islands mask procurement case are just gaining momentum. Investigators continue to analyze correspondence and financial transactions of those involved to establish all the circumstances of the alleged collusion. New interrogations are expected in the coming months, as well as the possible emergence of additional suspects.
This case once again raises questions about the transparency of public procurement during times of crisis and the extent to which personal connections can influence the allocation of multimillion-euro contracts. The public is closely monitoring developments, awaiting new details and court decisions.
