Victor de Aldama avoids prison despite four‑year sentence in Spain’s mask‑procurement scandal

Spain’s Supreme Court sentenced businessman Víctor de Aldama to four years and six months for his role in the illegal procurement of masks during the COVID‑19 pandemic, but suspended the term because of his “full and continuous” cooperation with investigators. The court noted that Aldama supplied documents and testimony that helped clarify contracts tied to former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and former adviser Koldo García, and that his collaboration was deemed “maximum”.

Koldo García, former adviser to Ábalos, filed an appeal asking the Supreme Court to annul his 19‑year‑plus sentence for the same mask‑contract scandal and to suspend his incarceration while the court reviews the case. García argues that the conviction violates his fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence.

Television commentator Javier Aroca labeled Aldama “an icon of corruption” while discussing the case, underscoring public criticism of the figures involved.