Koldo Affair: Mandatory Masks Allegedly Funded PSOE

Koldo Affair: Mandatory Masks Allegedly Funded PSOE

The Koldo case has revealed a connection between the mandatory use of face masks during the pandemic and an alleged corruption scheme that enriched members of the PSOE. According to judicial documents, the investigated company sold 837,800 "fake" masks to the Balearic Islands government, with overpricing allegedly used to illegally fund the party. The Civil Guard identified former Balearic president Francina Armengol as the channel that allowed the network to secure €3.7 million in contracts.

From Health Emergency to Political Windfall

In March 2020, amid the raging pandemic, the Spanish government imposed mandatory mask use even in outdoor spaces. While neighboring countries relaxed the measure, Spain maintained it longer, raising suspicions. The UCO investigation uncovered that Soluciones de Gestión, linked to former Ábalos advisor Koldo García, billed millions to regional administrations for masks that failed quality standards. In the Balearics, Armengol awarded €3.7 million in contracts without proper technical oversight.

Health Ministry Admits Lack of Technical Backing

The National Court compelled the Ministry of Health to release reports justifying the mandate. The department led by Mónica García acknowledged there was no solid technical basis for extending the measure outdoors. The Carlos III Health Institute had reprimanded the ministry for bypassing the evaluation committee. "No report backed mask usage," La Razón headlined.

Scandal Figures

- 837,800 "fake" masks sold to the Balearics, per the company's own tax declarations in 2022.
- €3.7 million in Balearic contracts channeled through Armengol.
- €2.1 million in contracts linked to Ábalos's chalet in Cádiz, according to the UCO.
- The investigated firm also sold masks to Correos at prices near €50 per unit.

Shadow of Irregular Funding

The Supreme Court judge remanded Ábalos and Koldo García into provisional detention over the mask trade. Investigations suggest the network used these contracts to opaquey fund the PSOE. "Spain extended the mandatory mask period longest so the PSOE mafia could keep generating income," some analyses summarize.

The Lingering Question

It remains unclear whether the mandate was a health decision or a tool to sustain a business. Lack of transparency and millions pocketed by the network fuel doubts. Meanwhile, the government continues funding projects like the Bill Gates Foundation vaccine association with €130 million, amid growing skepticism.