Businessman Víctor de Aldama, investigated in the “Koldo case”, declared this Monday before the Supreme Court that between 3.5 and 4 million euros were paid in commissions for the awarding of public works. According to his testimony, these kickbacks were distributed among the former Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos, his former ministerial advisor Koldo García and also with the PSOE. During his appearance of more than three hours, he also detailed how he managed these payments in cash and property rentals for those involved that allegedly included meetings with “ladies”.
This is the second time that the businessman testifies in court for the so-called “Koldo case”, although on the previous occasion the Supreme Court had not yet assumed jurisdiction, so he spoke before the judge of the case in the National High Court, Ismael Moreno.
As reported by Europa Press, the sources present at the interrogation indicate that De Aldama has confirmed what he had previously stated, both verbally and in writing in court, and, in particular, he has maintained that 3.5 to 4 million euros in commissions for the awarding of public works contracts. and that, of these, there were one part for himself, one part for Ábalos and one part for Koldo. También había comisión para el PSOE, según dice que le contó el propio Koldo. Aldama ha llegado a decir que hacía el papel de recaudador. Por cada contrato se pedía una comisión de entre el 1% y el 1,5%. Y de ese total se hacía el reparto. Como ni Ábalos ni el PSOE podían pedir el dinero directamente, él se encargaba de recabarlo y repartirlo, ha sostenido. El empresario ha mostrado unos pantallazos de WhatsApp con los que pretendía probar el juego de mordidas y adjudicaciones. Según ha adelantado al Tribunal Superior, aportará un escrito con copias de varias conversaciones de Whatsapp. Las fuentes consultadas precisan que uno de los mensajes sería un pantallazo de un manuscrito que, conforme ha defendido, es de Koldo y recoge obras a adjudicar.
Apartments on Airbnb
De Aldama assured that in addition to cash payments, there were also deliveries in kind. He revealed that he rented three apartments in Madrid through Airbnb for meetings of José Luis Ábalos and the Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, who, according to the businessman, were accompanied by “ladies”. These properties were located in Barrio de Salamanca, Barrio Justicia and Atocha street. In addition, he mentioned that he bought an apartment in Paseo de la Castellana for 1.9 million euros as a guarantee for pre-awarded public works contracts.
He also recalled another property in Plaza España in Madrid, occupied by “doña JRG”, a person who had a “particular relationship” with Ábalos. Regarding the cash payments, De Aldama indicated that he delivered a total of 450,000 euros to the former minister in several batches, some directly to his office in the Ministry of Transport.
Escorted by Desokupa
The businessman arrived at the Supreme Court escorted by Daniel Esteve, leader of the Desokupa company, known for its controversial methods of evicting squatters. Esteve, who also picked him up as he left the Palacio de las Salesas, did not enter the court but was present at key moments of the day. Esteve had anticipated on social networks that Aldama’s appearance would be significant, fueling media attention. The businessman, who in his statement unloaded much of the responsibilities on Ábalos and to a lesser extent on Koldo, avoided mentioning other members of the government of Pedro Sánchez or the PSOE.
