Koldo García case: Mask scandal links to PP

Koldo García case: Mask scandal links to PP

A judicial order from February 7 authorizing extended wiretaps for key suspects in the Koldo García case states that former advisor to ex-minister José Luis Ábalos, Koldo García Izaguirre, told businessman Juan Carlos Cueto he had contacted Miguel Tellado, the PP spokesperson in Congress, and a person named "Alberto." The conversation took place on December 2. The scheme aimed to block a Balearic government claim against one of the companies involved in mask purchases. Tellado "categorically" denied these claims, and the PSOE is demanding answers. The case, dismantled by the Civil Guard, remains open.

What the order says and what Tellado denies

The February 7 order, obtained by El País, authorizes extending phone taps for main suspects. It notes that Koldo García, in a December 2 conversation with businessman Juan Carlos Cueto—another defendant—said he had just been called and met with Miguel Tellado and another person referred to only as Alberto. The judge adds that ongoing interventions would involve José Luis Ábalos. The PP parliamentary spokesperson "categorically" denied meeting García or receiving calls to arrange such meetings. "We have had no personal relationship with Mr. Koldo García," he said on Antena 3. Later, in Congress hallways, he added: "I have never met with anyone from the ring. I do interact weekly with people involved here in Congress, including Ms. Armengol in the Board of Spokespersons, and Mr. Ábalos and Mr. Santos Cerdán in plenary sessions." This highlights a contrast: denying personal contact while admitting weekly professional interactions with suspects.

The Balearic claim they tried to stop

The origin was a claim by the Balearic administration, led by Francina Armengol and later Marga Prohens after May elections, against a mask procurement company. The contract was managed through the Balearic Government, and Soluciones de Gestión—the main firm in the scheme—was asked to return funds for ineffective masks. Aware of investigations, businessmen grew nervous, trying to meet in person and manage their documentation carefully. Contacts with the PP and the unnamed "Alberto" mentioned in the order occurred in this context.

The other business: Masks and billing

Focus extends beyond one contract. According to messages in the thread, Sibucu 360 jumped from roughly €765,000 revenue in 2019 to over €31 million in 2020, a ~4,000% increase. With four employees and no known healthcare ties, it benefited from administrations like Madrid and Galicia (under Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Alberto Núñez Feijóo) seeking easy access to medical supplies. The firm controls lighting company MoonOff. This data supports the thesis that the mask windfall wasn't limited to one political party.

Who is Jacobo Pombo, the other intermediary?

Jacobo Pombo appears linked as another intermediary. A former FAES and Madrid City Hall employee, and a decade ago director of projects at Menéndez Pelayo International University, he gained prominence in Santander summers leading the Global Youth Leadership Forum, where young leaders debate with veterans. His profile reinforces the idea of a cross-administration, cross-party network.

Current status

The case remains under investigation. Wiretaps were extended, suspects deny wrongdoing, and mutual explanations between PP and PSOE haven't resolved uncertainties. The December 2 conversation and February 7 order are parts of an unfinished dossier. Tellado denies the meeting; PSOE demands clarity; the judge keeps investigating a scheme allegedly hatched in Ábalos’s Transport Ministry. Outcomes regarding the Balearic claim and García’s alleged contacts depend on further evidence. Predictions are premature; certainty lies only in the fact that this case isn’t closed.