Spanish Authorities Expand Koldo Corruption Probe with New Raids and Arrests

The Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Spanish Guardia Civil launched a major anti-corruption operation on Thursday, executing multiple raids and arrests across Madrid, Valencia, Seville, and Córdoba. The operation, coordinated by the National Court, marks a significant development in the ongoing 'Koldo' case, which investigates alleged irregularities and bid-rigging involving public works contracts during the tenure of former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos.

As part of the coordinated effort, agents searched the Valencia residence of Ábalos, who is currently serving a prison sentence following a separate conviction by the Supreme Court for corruption-related offenses. During the search, investigators questioned Andrea de la Torre, the former minister's partner, who resides at the property. This is not the first time authorities have inspected the home; a previous search in June 2025 yielded various digital devices and documents that provided investigators with evidence regarding the alleged scheme.

The operation resulted in six arrests, including that of Cristian Corvillo, a former driver for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Corvillo, who has previously testified in related judicial proceedings regarding his interactions with Ábalos and former advisor Koldo García, was apprehended as part of the probe into potential money laundering and fraud. Reports indicate that authorities also conducted a search of a property in Córdoba linked to him.

In addition to the residential raids, the UCO formally requested information from the headquarters of Adif, the state-owned railway infrastructure manager in Madrid. This step is part of a new, secret judicial piece opened by National Court Judge Ismael Moreno. The judge authorized this new line of inquiry on Tuesday after reviewing a detailed report from the UCO’s economic and anti-corruption department, which identified new individuals suspected of involvement in the manipulation of public contracts.

The broader investigation, which has been ongoing for three years, focuses on a network of alleged kickbacks and influence peddling. Among those under investigation in the public works branch of the case are former Adif president Isabel Pardo de Vera and former PSOE organization secretary Santos Cerdán. The new developments suggest that the scope of the alleged corruption is more extensive than previously understood, involving multiple layers of the former administration's infrastructure projects.

The legal situation for the central figures remains complex. José Luis Ábalos, once a key political ally of Prime Minister Sánchez, was sentenced to 24 years in prison by the Supreme Court for crimes including criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement, and influence peddling. As the National Court continues to peel back layers of the Koldo case, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the financial irregularities that occurred within the Ministry of Transport during that period.