The Supreme Court was the focus of public scrutiny this week as Jessica R., the ex-partner of former Spanish Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos, testified concerning her connections to him and the alleged corruption case known as the 'Koldo case.' This high-profile case investigates whether Ábalos favored private companies for public contracts, reportedly receiving kickbacks in return.
Jessica R., visibly shaken, appeared before the court to clarify her involvement with Ábalos and his adviser, Koldo García. She was summoned as part of the investigation led by Judge Leopoldo Puente, focusing on claims involving public money and contract manipulation.
During her testimony, Jessica distanced Ábalos from the payments related to her apartment rental, stating, "I didn’t know who was paying the rent," for the luxury flat located at Plaza de España, which she occupied from March 2019 to March 2022. The monthly rent was claimed to be 2,700 euros, amounting to approximately 82,298 euros during her stay, as investigators linked the payments to individuals from the business sector tied to Ábalos.
Although Jessica acknowledged her employment with two public companies—Tragsatec and Ineco—she admitted to never actually working there. "I received money from public companies without going to work," she stated. Sources involved have indicated she was contracted through Koldo García's brother, Joseba, who had connections within those organizations.
Of her time with Ábalos, Jessica mentioned she accompanied him on numerous official trips — at least 16, according to Civil Guard reports. While on these trips, she emphasized, her expenses were covered by Koldo Garcia and later reimbursed by Ábalos. "Koldo always handled the payments for those trips," she confirmed.
The testimony unfolded against the backdrop of the severe allegations against Ábalos, including claims of corruption and the manipulation of public contracts. Notably, he has repeatedly denied any impropriety concerning the monitoring of hiring contracts or payments associated with them. He also disputed claims about any financial support for Jessica, stating, "Public money has never been used" to cover her expenses.
Jessica's statement partially corroborates prior claims made by Koldo García, who is also embroiled in this legal inquiry. He admitted requesting favor from his brother on behalf of Jessica for her employment. Koldo asserted, "Jessica was chosen because she was someone trustworthy."">
Interestingly, Jessica did not request Ábalos to help with her job placements. Instead, she asserted, "I never asked him to place me anywhere." Her narrative remained consistent with García’s account, both attempting to deflect inequality of favor called upon the ex-minister.
The court has heard conflicting accounts from various parties involved. For example, the former minister and García are said to have managed avenues of employment and public funds directed toward their acquaintances—all under intense scrutiny from investigative authorities. Reports indicate this scheme surrounding the rental agreement linked serious financial misconduct to both Ábalos and Koldo.
Jessica’s reference to money being exchanged during their relationship sparked additional inquiries by Judge Puente, who focussed on the relationship dynamics and potential quid pro quo agreements alleged between business entities and governmental influence. Investigators have delved deep, correlatively linking Jessica's testimony to broader accusations against several businesses benefitting from fraudulent contracts.
During the proceedings, Jessica appeared somewhat emotional, recounting relayed communications with García, indicating the intertwining personal and professional relationships complicate these investigations. On one occasion, she shared the process through which her living arrangement came to fruition, mentioning how Koldo advised her to look for accommodation after her previous contract concluded.
The support for her residence reportedly began with payments managed indirectly by Victor de Aldama, linked to the corruption case and alleged kickbacks provided to influence public contracts. Jessica's assertion—"I didn’t know whom to thank for my rent," encapsulated the confounding nature of the circumstances surrounding her placement and employment.
Jessica also found herself at the heart of scandalous speculation and public fascination. The media portrayed her relationship with Ábalos, raising questions about influence, power dynamics, and integrity within government operations.
Today’s proceedings have underscored internal contradictions as multiple testimonies come to light, making it increasingly difficult to decipher the truth behind alleged corruption and connections to public funding.
While continuing to distance Ábalos from any claims of misconduct, the investigation remains open, with more witness testimonies scheduled to take place, including individuals central to determining whether the ex-minister exerted influence for personal gain.
The repercussions of these revelations could reshape the public perception of political integrity, echoing concerns about accountability and ethics at the highest levels of government.
The case continues to develop as authorities aim to thoroughly investigate these serious allegations against those once entrusted to serve the public DTSTART: March 2025, highlighting the importance of transparency and integrity within governmental operations.