Politics · Spain · 2 hrs ago
Police search Ábalos's Valencia home in new Koldo case inquiry
Spain's Civil Guard searched former minister José Luis Ábalos's home in Valencia as part of a new, secret inquiry linked to the Koldo case.
The case examines alleged manipulation of public contracts during Ábalos's time as transport minister.
The judge ordered six people detained for questioning, with searches and other investigative steps also taking place in Córdoba, Madrid and Seville.
All six were later released; Ábalos's partner, Andrea de la Torre, was among those detained.
His son said officers took electronic devices, mostly belonging to De la Torre, and no documents.
The inquiry is also seeking information from Adif and construction company Azvi, while allegations in the case remain under investigation.
Ábalos's son says he believes his father is innocent and criticised the timing of the search.
The investigation continues under National Court judge Ismael Moreno.
The Guardia Civil’s UCO searched José Luis Ábalos’s home in Valencia on Thursday as part of a new secret investigation within the Koldo case.
The inquiry concerns suspected irregularities in public works contracts awarded during Ábalos’s time as transport minister.
The National Court authorised searches and requested information from Adif and a construction company.
Six people were arrested for questioning and later released, according to 20minutos.
Ábalos’s son said he believed his father was innocent and criticised the timing of the search.
- Who
- The Guardia Civil’s UCO searched the home of former transport minister José Luis Ábalos.
- What
- The search was part of a new secret inquiry into suspected public-contract irregularities in the Koldo case.
- When
- Thursday, 5 November 2026.
- Where
- Ábalos’s home in Valencia, Spain.
- Why
- Investigators are examining alleged manipulation of public works contracts during Ábalos’s time at the Transport Ministry.
The investigation
José Luis Ábalos’s son, Víctor Ábalos
Purpose and legitimacy
The investigation
The inquiry examines suspected irregularities in public works contracts and is being conducted under orders from the National Court.
José Luis Ábalos’s son, Víctor Ábalos
He said the search was lamentable and suggested it could have waited until after the 29 November general election.
Ábalos’s guilt
The investigation
The investigation concerns alleged contract manipulation and names Ábalos among those under investigation.
José Luis Ábalos’s son, Víctor Ábalos
Víctor Ábalos said he believed his father was innocent.
The UCO submitted a 490-page report to the Supreme Court identifying suspected irregularities in 11 public contracts worth €900 million.
A report commissioned by Anti-Corruption prosecutors and prepared by the state administration’s auditor found irregularities in the 11 contracts.
Judge Ismael Moreno opened a secret case section after receiving a Civil Guard report, according to El País.
The UCO searched Ábalos’s Valencia home and carried out operations in Córdoba, Madrid and Seville.
The UCO arrested six people for questioning; all were later released.
- Search location
- José Luis Ábalos’s home in Valencia
- Investigating body
- UCO of the Guardia Civil
- Contracts under suspicion
- 11 public contracts
- Estimated value
- €900 million
- Arrests
- Six people, later released
- Other requested information
- Adif and a construction company
4 sources
Del pelotazo de las mascarillas a las mordidas por obras: 11 adjudicaciones bajo sospecha valoradas en 900 millones
El hijo de Ábalos mantiene que su padre es inocente y recalca: "Aquí no había nada, ya se registró hace mucho tiempo"
La UCO registra la casa de Ábalos en Valencia en un nuevo operativo del ‘caso Koldo’ con seis detenidos
La UCO registra la casa de Ábalos en Valencia por una nueva pieza secreta del caso Koldo
What people are saying
Here there was nothing; it was searched a long time ago and, obviously, they were going to find the same thing.
Obviously, obviously, and even more so today. Nothing is coincidental.
As always, using my father as a battering ram, one side and the other, to see if they can get the throne at Moncloa.