The keys to the afternoon in the trial of the ‘Koldo case’: from the rescue of Air Europa to the silence of Villalba
The afternoon session was led by Francisco Javier Hidalgo Gutiérrez, former CEO of Globalia.
Hidalgo has recognized that Aldama was a “communication channel with the different ministries, not only with Transport”, for which he charged 10,000 euros per month. He has also downplayed a draft of a SEPI communication favorable to the rescue of Air Europa that appeared on the devices seized from Aldama and that the UCO considers a key indication of Ábalos’ alleged involvement.
Hidalgo has denied that his father, Juan José Hidalgo, gave 500,000 euros in cash to Aldama and Koldo, as stated by businesswomen Leonor and Carmen Pano.
He has also rejected Air Europa making a home in Marbella available to Ábalos in exchange for his mediation in the rescue, something that the UCO does maintain. In addition, he has denied the mediation of Begoña Gómez, wife of the President of the Government, in the rescue of the airline.
The civil guard Rubén Villalba, who according to the UCO looked after the interests of Koldo and Aldama, has refused to testify, which led the defense to give up the last witness of the day.
