⚖️ UCO investigation into SEPI and 'Koldo' corruption case
Oneliner
The UCO is investigating former SEPI president Vicente Fernández for alleged continued influence after his dismissal in 2019, contradicting claims by Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero. The Supreme Court has upheld the pretrial detention of former minister José Luis Ábalos and collaborator Koldo García due to serious corruption charges related to the fraudulent procurement of medical supplies. Additionally, allegations suggest former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero received kickbacks linked to the rescue of Plus Ultra and oil deals in Venezuela, although these claims lack formal evidence. The investigations raise significant concerns about public integrity and accountability.
Key points
- The UCO is investigating Vicente Fernández's alleged continued influence at SEPI post-dismissal.
- Supreme Court upholds pretrial detention for former minister Ábalos and collaborator Koldo García due to serious corruption charges.
- Allegations suggest former president Zapatero received kickbacks related to the rescue of Plus Ultra and oil deals in Venezuela.
- Ongoing investigations highlight significant concerns regarding public integrity and accountability.
Links
- El Mundo: La UCO investiga la influencia que mantuvo el ex presidente de la Sepi tras su cese y que Montero oculta: "Todos sabíamos que seguía"
- ABC: Zapatero usó a Aldama de enlace con Delcy Rodríguez entre 2020 y 2021
- El Mundo: El Supremo mantiene en prisión preventiva a Ábalos y Koldo por alto riesgo de fuga
- El Mundo: Aldama, Ábalos y Koldo apuntan a comisiones millonarias de ZP en el rescate de Plus Ultra y en negocios petroleros en Venezuela
Facts
- Vicente Fernández was formally dismissed from SEPI in October 2019.
- The Supreme Court upheld pretrial detention for Ábalos and García on 19 January 2026.
- The trial for Ábalos and García is scheduled for April 2026.
- Allegations against Zapatero include a purported €10 million kickback related to Plus Ultra's rescue.
Quotes
- It is impossible to believe that Montero was in charge of everything and did not know anything about what happened during those 514 days after the dismissal — Alicia García, PP spokesperson in the Senate.
- The body of evidence has not ceased to grow with each new piece of information available — Supreme Court ruling.
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