Spain ADIF corruption probe

In early August 2026, former ADIF president Isabel Pardo de Vera was kept under investigation in the Koldo corruption case, which concerns alleged irregular railway contracts for slope‑stabilisation work in Asturias. Her defence highlighted that the final payment (€373,405 plus an extraordinary €71,424) was lower than the original budget, arguing this showed no rigging. Judge Ismael Moreno referred the matter to the anti‑corruption prosecutor for a response, and the case also implicated former PSOE official Santos Cerdán.

A few days later, Pardo de Vera’s legal team introduced eight audio recordings seized from former ministerial adviser Koldo García. The recordings, analysed by the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit, were presented to argue that Pardo de Vera had actually blocked the alleged public‑works rigging scheme led by Cerdán. While the tapes contain offensive remarks toward her, her lawyer maintains they do not prove her awareness of illicit commissions. The judge continued to keep her under investigation for alleged prevarication, influence peddling, contract fraud and embezzlement.