Spain's ex-transport minister sentenced to 24 years in corruption case

Former Spanish Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos has been sentenced to 24 years in prison in connection with a corruption case linked to the procurement of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a court ruling.

His former adviser Coldo García was sentenced to 19 years in prison for crimes including membership in a criminal organisation, corruption, embezzlement of public funds and abuse of influence, the court said, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Businessman Víctor de Aldama received a four-and-a-half-year sentence, which was suspended due to his cooperation with investigators.

The case centers on alleged abuses in the awarding of public contracts for the purchase of millions of protective masks during the pandemic. Prosecutors said Ábalos allegedly received monthly payments, reimbursement of travel expenses and other benefits in exchange for facilitating the deals.

In testimony during the proceedings, de Aldama alleged that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez led an “organised crime ring” and claimed the Socialist Party benefited from illegal activities. Sánchez has denied any connection between the defendants and the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), as well as any knowledge of wrongdoing.

By Sabina Mammadli