Jose Luis Abalos

Jose Luis Abalos, former Spanish Minister of Transport (2018–2021) and PSOE Organization Secretary, is currently serving a 24-year, three-month prison sentence following his conviction in the Koldo case. On June 22, 2026, the Spanish Supreme Court found Abalos guilty of running a criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement, and influence peddling. The court determined he accepted €10,000 in monthly payments from businessman Victor de Aldama to cover personal expenses and facilitated the irregular hiring of associates into public companies. The scheme involved awarding pandemic-era mask contracts and securing favors regarding the Air Europa bailout and hydrocarbon licenses. He has been in prison since November 2025. Previously, Abalos faced controversy for meeting Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez at Madrid-Barajas Airport in 2020, violating EU entry bans. In 2025, reports emerged regarding leaked recordings of Abalos arranging meetings with sex workers, some of whom were allegedly hired for public positions as gifts. Additionally, a 2025 investigation identified €95,000 in unaccounted personal expenses during his time in office.