In 2021, Spanish businessman Víctor de Aldama orchestrated a clandestine meeting in Cuba between the former Spanish Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos and Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez. This revelation comes from messages intercepted by the Guardia Civil, which are now part of an ongoing investigation by the Audiencia Nacional. The inquiry is examining several issues, including the potential illegal funding of Spain's Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).
The meeting, however, never took place. Initially, the closure of Cuban airspace necessitated considering a venue change to the Dominican Republic. Ultimately, Ábalos' dismissal by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on July 10, 2021, permanently derailed the planned encounter.
Failed Attempts and Relocation Plans
According to conversations published by El Mundo, Aldama messaged Rodríguez on May 24, 2021, indicating that "the boss," referring to Ábalos, was planning a trip to Cuba from August 2 to 6 and inquired about coordinating a meeting there. Rodríguez responded positively with, "Chévere, Vic."
However, complications arose weeks later. Aldama informed Rodríguez that the trip to the island was problematic. "The boss says the Cuban ambassador told him flights are not possible as airspace is closed again. Could the meeting be in the DR (Dominican Republic)?" Rodríguez agreed, "Yes, of course."
Encrypted Communications and Oil Deals
The exchanges occurred via Threema, an encrypted messaging app, and were retrieved by the Guardia Civil's Central Operative Unit (UCO). As per El Mundo's cited investigation, Aldama maintained that discussions involving substantial Venezuelan oil purchase and sale deals required in-person meetings.
This meeting would have marked the first face-to-face between Ábalos and Rodríguez since the infamous "Delcygate" incident in January 2020, when Rodríguez, then Venezuela's vice president, stopped over at Madrid's Adolfo Suárez Barajas Airport despite being banned from entering the Schengen Area due to EU sanctions. Ábalos, accompanied by Aldama, went to the airport at that time.
Aftermath and Continuing Tensions
Following Ábalos' removal from office, Aldama arranged a trip to Caracas to provide Rodríguez with a direct account of the situation. "I’ll look for flights to get there Tuesday and stay until Thursday or Friday [...] I’ll tell you everything in detail, as instructed, and bring you up to speed," Aldama messaged. Rodríguez replied, "Sure, chévere."
Months later, in October 2021, Ábalos' former advisor, Koldo García, also traveled to Caracas and met with Rodríguez. According to the exchanged messages and Aldama's later account, there were significant disagreements over commission distributions linked to Venezuelan crude operations at that time.
Aldama urged Rodríguez not to disclose details of their Venezuelan ventures to Koldo. "What a mess, really, don’t worry, I’ll just tell the truth," she replied.
Rodríguez also commented on the tensions with Koldo, "This situation isn’t good for you. Obviously, I won’t be in the middle. It’s your matter," she expressed to Aldama.
Judicial Proceedings and Allegations
These communications are part of a broader investigation into the connections between Aldama, former officials from the Ministry of Transport, and Venezuelan leaders. Aldama testified before the Audiencia Nacional, asserting that certain oil transactions were tied to alleged unlawful financing of the PSOE, a claim still under judicial scrutiny.
Aldama also claimed that Delcy Rodríguez handed him an envelope with documents concerning the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA and this supposed financing.
The case runs parallel to the so-called Koldo case, where on June 22, Spain's Supreme Court sentenced Ábalos to 24 years and three months in prison and Koldo García to 19 years and eight months. Aldama received a four-year and six-month sentence, though the Supreme Court suspended the execution of his sentence, recognizing his exceptional cooperation with the authorities.
The Supreme Court found Ábalos guilty of several charges, including criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement, and influence peddling, while Aldama was convicted of criminal organization and multiple bribery offenses.
Insights into the Delcy Rodríguez and José Luis Ábalos Scandal
What was the purpose of the secret meeting in Cuba between Delcy Rodríguez and José Luis Ábalos?
The meeting aimed to discuss significant Venezuelan oil transactions and potentially involved irregular financing of Spain's Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).
Why was the meeting between Rodríguez and Ábalos canceled?
The meeting was canceled due to the closure of Cuban airspace and the subsequent dismissal of Ábalos by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in July 2021.
What were the charges against José Luis Ábalos and his advisor Koldo García?
José Luis Ábalos was charged with criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement, and influence peddling, while Koldo García faced similar charges, resulting in severe prison sentences for both.
How did Víctor de Aldama contribute to the investigation?
Aldama's cooperation with authorities, including providing intercepted communications and information regarding Venezuelan oil deals, played a crucial role in the judicial proceedings.