Víctor de Aldama has given another confidential statement in the National Court. The investigation focuses on alleged cash reimbursements within the PSOE. The case involves former minister José Luis Ábalos and his ex-assistant Koldo García.
Víctor de Aldama, a businessman previously convicted in the mask procurement scandal, has once again appeared for a confidential hearing before the National Court in Madrid. This latest testimony, held behind closed doors, is part of an ongoing investigation into suspected irregularities in cash reimbursements within the PSOE. Judge Ismael Moreno, who leads the so-called 'caso Koldo', is examining possible inconsistencies in payments made to former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and his former aide, Koldo García. The details of this line of inquiry remain under judicial secrecy.
According to judicial sources, Aldama's appearance on Wednesday marks a new chapter in a case that has already seen significant developments. Earlier this year, Aldama handed over a sealed envelope marked with the initials of Pdvsa, Venezuela's state oil company, to Judge Moreno. This envelope, which the judge had specifically requested, became a focal point after Aldama linked it to alleged illegal financing of the PSOE and the Socialist International. Aldama claimed on television that the envelope was given to him by Delcy Rodríguez, now acting president of Venezuela, during her tenure as vice president. Rodríguez has publicly denied this, demanded a retraction, and threatened legal action against Aldama.
In a separate proceeding last January, Aldama was questioned by prosecutor Luis Pastor about the contents of the Pdvsa envelope during a hearing led by Judge Santiago Pedraz. At that time, Aldama suggested the material related to illegal party financing and its connection to the hydrocarbons sector. Following this, Judge Pedraz forwarded a copy of Aldama's statement to Judge Moreno, reinforcing the focus on cash reimbursement practices within the PSOE.
The existence of the envelope was initially uncovered by the Guardia Civil's Central Operative Unit (UCO), after intercepting a photograph sent by one of Aldama's associates. The image showed a Pdvsa envelope labeled 'confidencial', listing Manuel Quevedo Fernández, then president of the Venezuelan oil company, as sender, and Delcy Rodríguez as recipient. This detail has added further complexity to the investigation, which continues to scrutinize the flow of funds and the potential for illicit financing mechanisms.
The 'caso Koldo' has drawn attention to the broader issue of financial oversight within Spanish political parties. The investigation into cash reimbursements and possible illegal funding channels has already implicated high-profile figures and raised questions about internal controls. For context, similar judicial probes have recently made headlines, such as the case involving María Jesús Montero and the SEPI scandal, which also highlighted the challenges of maintaining transparency in party finances. For more on the political fallout from related cases, see this report on María Jesús Montero's response to the widening Leire case investigation.
Spain's National Court continues to play a central role in addressing allegations of corruption and financial misconduct at the highest levels. The outcome of the current investigation could have significant implications for party funding regulations and the accountability of public officials. As the case remains under seal, further developments are expected to shape the political landscape in the coming months.
