Koldo García condemned to 19 years for mask-supply scheme, brands Supreme Court ruling "barbaric"
The former adviser to Ábalos receives a 19-year sentence for corruption offences linked to the purchase of medical equipment during the pandemic.
Koldo García condemned to 19 years for mask-supply scheme, brands Supreme Court ruling "barbaric"
The High Court has imposed a 19-year prison sentence on Koldo García, a former collaborator of ex-minister José Luis Ábalos, for his participation in a criminal structure dedicated to the irregular acquisition of medical equipment during the health crisis. The judges found him responsible for forming part of a criminal organisation, as well as for offences of bribery, misappropriation of public funds and trading in influence.
After learning of the court ruling, García shared his thoughts with El Mundo, a media outlet that obtained his remarks exclusively. The defendant described the decision as "barbaric" and questioned why oral proceedings had been held if, in his view, the outcome was predetermined. "All Spain has seen that this is barbaric," he declared.
According to his own words, he was unable to mount a full defence because the authorities did not return his mobile devices. He claimed that accounting reports that would have benefited him were ignored, while lamenting that not all the witnesses he considered relevant were called to testify.
The convicted man directed his criticisms towards the situation of other key figures in the case. He questioned why Víctor de Aldama, the intermediary he described as "number one" in the scheme, remains free despite, he said, having committed tax fraud. He also expressed surprise that Jésica Rodríguez is not among those investigated.
García indicated that he will not consider the legal battle closed. "From now on, there will be more than one person who will have to give many explanations. This story is not over," he stated, indicating that he will continue his legal battle to demonstrate what he believes constitutes the true version of events.
Source: El Mundo