Víctor Ábalos Defends Father Amid New Koldo Case Raids
Son of former minister claims innocence as authorities search Valencia residence for evidence.
1New Judicial Search Conducted
The UCO unit of the Guardia Civil executed a search warrant at the Valencia residence of former minister José Luis Ábalos. This operation is part of a new, secret piece of the ongoing Koldo case. Authorities targeted the property to gather information, though the specific accusations against the residents remain currently undisclosed.
2Family Maintains Innocence Claims
Víctor Ábalos, the son of the former minister, publicly defended his father's innocence following the search. He stated that the residence had already been thoroughly inspected in the past. He argued that the authorities would not find anything new, as all relevant materials were previously seized during the initial investigation phases.
3Seizure of Personal Devices
During the operation, investigators confiscated several electronic devices from the home. Víctor Ábalos clarified that these items belong to Andrea de la Torre, his father's partner, who currently resides there. He noted that these specific devices were not present during the previous police search, as she was not living there at that time.
4Status of Detained Individuals
Six individuals, including Andrea de la Torre, were arrested during the coordinated operation across Córdoba, Valencia, Madrid, and Seville. All six were subsequently released by the UCO after providing statements. De la Torre exercised her legal right to remain silent and did not appear before the judge during this initial process.
5Broader Legal Investigation Scope
Magistrate Ismael Moreno is overseeing this separate piece of the Koldo case. Beyond the residential searches, the court has officially requested documentation from Adif and the construction firm Azvi. These entities are being scrutinized as part of the wider probe into alleged irregularities involving public contracts and political figures within Spain.
6Political Timing Concerns Raised
Víctor Ábalos criticized the timing of the search, suggesting it was not coincidental given the upcoming general elections on November 29. He described the situation as lamentable, claiming that his father is being used as a political tool by various parties to gain influence and secure the throne of the Moncloa palace.
7Impact on Local Residents
The son of the former minister expressed concern for the neighbors living in the same building. He reported that the property's entrance has been vandalized multiple times recently due to the high-profile nature of the case. He requested public respect for the residents who are not involved in the ongoing legal proceedings.
8Context of Koldo Case
The Koldo case involves significant allegations of corruption linked to mask procurement contracts. José Luis Ábalos has been in prison for nearly a year in connection with these events. The current investigation continues to evolve, with authorities expanding their focus to include new individuals and entities linked to the original corruption probe.
Original article: 20minutos — Víctor Ábalos Defends Father Amid New Koldo Case Raids