A Spanish court has sentenced former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos to 24 years in prison after convicting him in a corruption scheme linked to public contracts awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His former adviser, Koldo García, received a 19-year prison sentence. Both were found guilty of charges including bribery, embezzlement, abuse of power, and participation in a criminal organization.
According to the court, the pair accepted bribes in exchange for facilitating multi-million-euro contracts for medical supplies during the health crisis. Prosecutors said they used their government positions to benefit businessman Víctor de Aldama, who has admitted involvement in the case.
The convictions represent a major political setback for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, although he has not been charged with any wrongdoing. Separate corruption investigations involving Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, and his brother, David Sánchez, have also intensified pressure on his government.
Sánchez is expected to address Parliament this week as scrutiny over the ongoing investigations continues.
