Isabel Pardo de Vera cites Koldo García chats to deny involvement in Santos Cerdán public‑works rigging

Former Adif president Isabel Pardo de Vera’s defence has relied on eight audio recordings seized from the devices of former ministerial adviser Koldo García. The recordings, analysed by the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit (UCO), are used to argue that Pardo de Vera “blocked” the alleged public‑works rigging scheme that prosecutors say was led by Santos Cerdán, the former number‑three of the PSOE.

Audiencia Nacional judge Ismael Moreno continues to keep Pardo de Vera under investigation for alleged prevarication, influence peddling, contract fraud and embezzlement. Her lawyer, Gonzalo Rodríguez‑Mourullo, submitted a written brief to the court stating that the conversations do not show Pardo de Vera was aware of any illicit commissions or contracts. While the recordings contain offensive remarks toward Pardo de Vera – for example, “Isabel, la hija de puta que, además se lo digo” – the defence maintains they have no evidentiary value regarding her participation in the scheme.