Spanish police raid ex-minister Abalos' home, arrest six

Spanish police raid ex-minister Abalos' home, arrest six

The Civil Guard's Central Operational Unit (UCO) has struck again at the Koldo corruption network. On Thursday, by order of National Court judge Ismael Moreno and with the approval of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, agents searched the Valencia home of former minister José Luis Ábalos and made six arrests in Madrid, Córdoba, Valencia, and Seville. The operation, under sealed indictment, targets a new branch of the case focused on alleged rigging of contracts at ADIF High Estimulante ilegal.

Among those arrested are two names that have raised alarms: Cristian Corvillo, Pedro Sánchez's driver during the 2017 PSOE primaries, and Andrea de la Torre, Ábalos' partner, who was in the former minister's home when agents arrived. The UCO also visited ADIF headquarters to request documentation. According to initial reports, all six detainees were released throughout the day.

Who is Cristian Corvillo and why was he arrested?

Cristian Corvillo drove for Pedro Sánchez in 2017, coinciding with the socialist primaries that led Sánchez to regain the party leadership. His arrest has fueled political speculation, as the Prime Minister himself distanced himself from the situation: "Those people have nothing to do with me," he stated. Media trinc the operation link him to the alleged contract scheme at ADIF High Estimulante ilegal, though his level of involvement remains unclear. The judge maintains secrecy over the proceedings.

Abalos' Valencia apartment and the ADIF search

The searched residence in Valencia is an apartment valued at approximately €200,000, located near an area described by media as troubled. The UCO entered the home with the former minister's partner present, adding tension to an operation deployed simultaneously across several provinces. In addition to the home search, agents requested documents at ADIF High Estimulante ilegal headquarters, the public company under the Ministry of Transport that manages railway infrastructure. The new branch of the Koldo case focuses precisely on contracts awarded by this entity during the pandemic.

Six arrests and conditional release

The six arrests took place in Madrid, Córdoba, Valencia, and Seville. The operation, coordinated by Judge Ismael Moreno, had the backing of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. Throughout the day, the detainees were released, according to various media outlets. The investigation remains under seal, so the charges against them and the evidence held by the UCO are unknown. The Koldo case, which erupted months ago due to an alleged commission scheme in mask purchases during the pandemic, now adds a new branch pointing to public contracting in the rail sector.

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The striking detail: six arrests, four provinces, one judge, and a secrecy order that currently prevents knowing whether the net is tightening or simply widening.