Victor de Aldama mask‑contract corruption case in Spain

Businessman Victor de Aldama orchestrated a scheme during the COVID‑19 pandemic to secure public contracts for face masks. The scheme involved paying illicit commissions to former health minister Ábalos and his associate Koldo García, who were later sentenced to prison for their roles.

Aldama avoided imprisonment by cooperating with the courts, a decision that has drawn criticism of judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who has been accused of lax oversight in the investigation. The case has highlighted broader concerns about the opacity of Spain’s judicial decisions in politically sensitive corruption matters.