José Luis Ábalos

José Luis Ábalos, former Spanish Minister of Transport (2018–2021) and PSOE Secretary of Organization, was convicted in 2026 for his role in the Koldo case. Scandals and outcomes include: Delcygate (2020): Ábalos met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez at Madrid-Barajas Airport, despite her EU entry ban. The Supreme Court dismissed the case due to lack of evidence of a crime. Koldo Case (2024–2026): Investigation into illegal commissions and corruption regarding COVID-19 mask contracts. - Indictment: Opened by the Supreme Court in November 2024 for organization of crime, bribery, embezzlement, influence peddling, and insider trading. - Incarceration: Entered pre-trial detention on 27 November 2025. - Conviction: On 22 June 2026, the Supreme Court sentenced Ábalos to 24 years and 3 months in prison (16-year effective maximum) for criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement, and influence peddling. - Findings: The court proved he accepted monthly payments of 10,000 euros, facilitated public contracts for the businessman Víctor de Aldama, and secured public sector employment for associates in exchange for illicit benefits, including housing. Personal Conduct: In mid-2025, leaked recordings surfaced suggesting Ábalos arranged meetings with sex workers. Following the broader corruption allegations and his 2024 arrest, he was expelled from the PSOE and served as an independent MP until his imprisonment.