Jésica Rodríguez refuses to testify in Spain's 'case Koldo' corruption probe

On 20 July 2026, Judge Ismael Moreno of the Audiencia Nacional summoned Jésica Rodríguez, the former partner of ex‑Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos, to appear as an accused in the "case Koldo" investigation into alleged influence‑peddling and embezzlement linked to her hiring at the state‑owned companies Ineco and Tragsatec. Rodríguez exercised her right to remain silent.

At the same hearing, Joseba García – brother of former ministerial adviser Koldo García – and Ignacio Zaldívar, former ADIF director of administrative management, also declined to answer questions. The anti‑corruption prosecutor based the accusations on the Supreme Court’s 2025 "mask‑scandal" ruling that sentenced Ábalos to 24 years in prison and noted “data pointing to the involvement” of García’s brother and Zaldívar in Rodríguez’s contracts.

Prosecutors allege that Rodríguez received €43,950 without ever working for the firms, constituting malversation and traffic of influences. The investigation remains open as the court seeks to determine further criminal responsibility.