The main suspect in the corruption case concerning the hydrocarbons sector, Víctor de Aldama, has given incriminating testimony in court. The businessman claims to possess evidence of illegal funding for the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and the Socialist International. The case allegedly involves large sums of cash and political influence reaching the Venezuelan government and key Spanish ministries.

Allegations of Illegal Funding

Víctor de Aldama testified that PSOE and the Socialist International were funded from illegal sources, including funds originating from Venezuela.

Conflicting Testimony on Cash

Carmen Pano admitted to delivering 90,000 euros in bags to the headquarters on Ferraz Street, while Aldama cites lower amounts.

Role of the Venezuelan Vice President

The name Delcy Rodríguez appears in the testimony; she allegedly handed over an envelope with money linked to PDVSA business and the fuel sector.

A new stage in the investigation into the so-called hydrocarbons case (Spanish: Caso Hidrocarburos) brings breakthrough, albeit controversial, testimony from the main accused. Víctor de Aldama, known as an influential lobbyist and intermediary, reiterated before investigating judge Santiago Pedraz that he has information about systemic law-breaking in the funding of PSOE. According to the businessman's account, the current Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, is involved. Aldama maintains that he received an envelope of money from her intended for party purposes. The PSOE party, founded in 1879, is one of the two main political forces in Spain. In recent decades, it has repeatedly faced corruption accusations, the loudest of which was the ERE funds case in Andalusia.Aldama's testimony contradicts the version presented by another suspect, Carmen Pano. The woman testified that, at Aldama's request, she delivered 90 thousand euros in plastic bags to the party headquarters on Ferraz Street in Madrid. Aldama, in turn, claims the amounts were lower, hovering around 40–50 thousand euros, and that the money went directly into the hands of Koldo García, a former advisor to Minister José Luis Ábalos. The purpose of these bribes was allegedly to facilitate business operations in the Ministry of Transport. Investigators are currently examining the credibility of these statements, as Aldama suggests a willingness to negotiate with the prosecution in exchange for revealing the full scale of the scheme. The atmosphere around the government is thickening, especially as evidence material includes records of conversations on messaging apps mentioning an "envelope from PDVSA." PDVSA is the Venezuelan oil giant, which according to the accused was the source of the funds. The defense of the ruling party rejects the accusations, calling Aldama's testimony an attempt to save his own skin through baseless political attacks. 90 000 € — was allegedly delivered in plastic bags to the PSOE party headquartersDiscrepancies in Testimony Regarding Bribes: Carmen Pano: 90000, Víctor de Aldama: 50000Timeline of Recent Procedural Actions: 30 January 2026 — Carmen Pano's Testimony; 19 February 2026 — Aldama's Interrogation; 19 February, evening — Publication of Recordings„We are talking about illegal party funding and we haven't discussed this until now, this is something we need to negotiate directly with the state.” — Víctor de Aldama

Mentioned People

  • Víctor de Aldama — Businessman and alleged intermediary in the corruption case, accused of involvement in a bribery network.
  • José Luis Ábalos — Former Spanish Minister of Transport, whose name regularly appears in the context of corruption scandals.
  • Santiago Pedraz — Investigating judge at the Audiencia Nacional handling the hydrocarbons sector case.