A new scandal is unfolding in Spain involving Claudio Rivas, the closest business associate of Víctor de Aldama, a key figure in the high-profile fuel fraud case. In late October 2025, Rivas found himself in the spotlight after taking part in a large-scale hunt at Finca Matasanos in the province of Cáceres, where nearly 90 wild boars were killed in a single day. This private estate is currently under close watch by the UCO unit of the Civil Guard, as investigators suspect it may be used to hide large amounts of cash obtained from tax crimes.
The finca is located in the municipality of Cilleros, right on the border with Portugal. According to investigators, Rivas is not officially listed as the owner, but law enforcement is convinced he controls the property through intermediaries. On the day of the hunt, the estate hosted not only the montería itself but also a lavish dinner and a costume party with live music. Videos from the event that surfaced online show long rows of trophies and the distinctive Finca Matasanos crest, fueling even more public interest in the case.
Rivas himself claims that he did not participate in the hunt, but only attended the dinner. However, his presence at the party is confirmed by video footage. Among the guests were other individuals involved in the investigation, including representatives from Sierra España, a company specializing in organizing hunting events. Despite denying any involvement in organizing the event, posts appeared on social media thanking the company for an “unforgettable day.”
Money, hiding places, and suspicions
In early October 2025, Civil Guard officers searched the grounds of Finca Matasanos. According to the investigation, Rivas valued the property at eight million euros and may have used it to stash cash. In one intercepted phone call with his wife, they discussed details of how to package banknotes, which further fueled suspicions of money laundering. However, no cash was found during the search.
Federico Casas is officially listed as the manager of the company that owns the estate, but investigators believe he is only a figurehead and that the real owner is Rivas. Casas himself denies both managing the estate and participating in the hunt. The investigation also names Felipe Romero, who is linked to Have Got Time, a company that previously purchased real estate for the former transport minister. Investigators believe that Romero and de Aldama are part of Rivas’s inner circle and aware of his financial schemes.
Connections, luxury, and lifestyle
Interest in Rivas is also fueled by his lifestyle. Despite facing criminal charges, he continues to live as if untroubled by financial difficulties. Investigators note that he owns another farm in Mora (Toledo), which is also registered to frontmen. In one wiretapped conversation, Rivas asked Romero to pick up money from a hiding place at this second farm, and when Romero refused, he turned to de Aldama. This, according to investigators, points to a high level of trust among them.
The case files include other episodes linked to Rivas’s passion for hunting: he is pictured with trophies from exotic animals. Questions remain about who is funding these activities and who is paying for such luxury hunts. Rivas himself insists he has no connection to the ownership or organization of events at Finca Matasanos, although he is still officially registered there. He claims the current managers want to evict him due to legal troubles, and that he only worked on the estate grounds.
The investigation is ongoing, and scrutiny of those involved continues to grow. New revelations could shed light on financial flows and the connections between participants in this complex scheme.
