The Spanish Ministry of Transport has clarified that funds mistakenly attributed to former Minister José Luis Ábalos were actually expenses related to his travel delegation, not personal income. An investigation by the Supreme Court prompted the clarification.
An investigation into Ábalos involved an allegation of over €500,000 in untaxed payments. The funds were initially reported by the tax agency as 'exempt income and allowances'.
Transportes clarified that the expenses covered the costs of the entire ministerial delegation accompanying Ábalos on trips, including security personnel, communication staff, and advisors. This was due to a misinterpretation of accounting regulations in 2018 and 2019.
The Ministry’s response shows that payments were largely made to the Ministry’s travel agency for flights and accommodation. Smaller amounts were paid as cash advances, later justified with invoices. No direct bank transfers to Ábalos were made.
Ábalos's defense maintains his innocence and suggests the payments were linked to travel expenses for his entourage. The Ministry's findings support this claim.
The investigation was prompted by a request from the Supreme Court judge investigating Ábalos. The Guardia Civil’s Unidad Central Operativa (UCO) requested detailed information from the Ministry of Transport about these payments, confirming the Ministry's explanation.