Aldama served as a key figure in the Sánchez government, stepping in as minister during a critical phase of leadership before Delcy took over. His tenure was marked by a commitment to progressive policies and an emphasis on social reform. Aldama’s approach sought to navigate the complexities of governance while addressing pressing national issues, laying a foundation that would influence the direction of the administration. His leadership style, characterized by collaboration and transparency, resonated with various sectors of society, making him a pivotal player in the political landscape of the time.
Minister number 23, Víctor de Aldama, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the Koldo plot. He acts as a shadow minister within Pedro Sánchez’s government. His extensive network and connections position him at the center of various business and economic dealings, particularly in fostering relations with the Chavista regime in Venezuela.
Recent revelations from the UCO report indicate that Aldama played a crucial role in linking the Sánchez administration with Nicolás Maduro’s government, notably through direct communications with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. Analysis of conversations conducted by an elite team from the Civil Guard underscores Aldama’s position as a critical intermediary between Rodríguez, Sánchez, and other government officials, including José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García.
Currently under arrest for his alleged involvement in a hydrocarbon scheme that defrauded the state of 182 million euros, Aldama was instrumental in orchestrating the so-called “Delygate,” first reported by Vozpópuli on January 23, 2020. He acted as a spokesperson for Sánchez in dealings with Rodríguez on multiple occasions.
Notably, after Delcy’s unsuccessful visit to Spain, the UCO report highlights messages exchanged between the two, wherein Aldama conveyed Sánchez’s dissatisfaction with the situation, particularly regarding Ábalos. On October 27, 2020, Aldama informed Delcy that the meeting between opposition leader Leopoldo López and Sánchez took place at the party headquarters in Ferraz, not in Moncloa, emphasizing the importance of this distinction for diplomatic relations.
Catalyst of Sanchez’s turnaround
Víctor de Aldama appears to be the catalyst behind Pedro Sánchez’s dramatic shift in policy toward the Chavista regime between February and December 2019. Initially, Sánchez was the first European leader to recognize Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president. However, by the end of the year, he was endorsing preparations for Delcygate. Notably, he became the only EU leader not to receive Guaidó when the opposition leader visited Spain in January 2020, coinciding with Delcy Rodríguez’s arrival at Barajas airport.
Throughout 2019, Aldama strengthened his foothold within government circles. He traveled multiple times with Javier Hidalgo, the then-CEO of Globalia, to establish a trade route between Oaxaca, Mexico, and Madrid, including a visit in late 2018. This connection continued as Ábalos joined Koldo García on a trip to the region in February 2019, where Aldama was also present.
In August 2019, Aldama reached an agreement with Jorge Giménez Ochoa regarding the transfer of players, including Ignacio Anzola. Giménez Ochoa, a member of Delcy’s entourage and a businessman with previous ties to the state oil company PDVSA, was then president of the Venezuelan football team, Civil Association Deportivo Lara. He would later become the president of the Venezuelan Football Federation in 2021.
On August 8, 2019, Carlos Alberto Parra, associated with Giménez Ochoa, established Apamate Corporate and Trust. Just weeks before Delcygate, on January 3, 2020, one of the companies through which Aldama was allegedly collecting commissions—Deluxe Capital—received a transfer of 300,000 euros from Apamate Corporate and Trust. As indicated in the UCO report, this transaction is now under scrutiny by the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT).
Approaching Begoña Gómez
Víctor de Aldama also made efforts to engage Begoña Gómez, acting as an advisor to Globalia, in an attempt to recover a $200 million debt from Venezuela. The tourism group began sponsoring Gómez’s racing events in 2018. Aldama, alongside Javier Hidalgo, fostered relationships with her while discussing business opportunities at the UNWTO summit held in St. Petersburg from September 9 to 13, 2019. Félix Plasencia, then Venezuela’s Minister of Tourism and a close associate of Delcy Rodríguez, was part of the Venezuelan delegation at that assembly.
In December 2019, Madrid hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25), attended by a Venezuelan delegation that included Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy’s brother and then-Vice President of Communication, Culture, and Tourism.
On December 8, 2019, Aldama co-organized a surprise party for Ábalos’s 60th birthday at the Wellow restaurant, attended by Pedro Sánchez and Begoña Gómez, as reported by The Objective. Just two days later, Aldama created a document that the UCO later discovered on his computer, intended for Koldo García. This document served as an invitation for Ábalos, as Secretary of Organization for the PSOE, to extend an invitation to Delcy Rodríguez for a visit to Spain.
The document outlined plans for the visit as a means to explore avenues for negotiation and cooperation between Spain and Venezuela, especially after the anticipated formation of a new Spanish government. The UCO report emphasizes that this letter illustrates Aldama’s intent to leverage high-ranking officials within the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the trip.
Additionally, the Civil Guard intercepted a message from Ábalos to Sánchez regarding Delcy’s impending visit. In a follow-up exchange, Ábalos sent Koldo a screenshot of Sánchez’s response, indicating that while Sánchez hadn’t voiced any objections, he hadn’t expressed outright support either. Koldo replied with an affectionate message: “How much I love you.” Following this exchange, Koldo initiated the standard protocols typically required for a visit from a foreign dignitary, as noted in the UCO report.
Cover of the trip
Víctor de Aldama devised a detailed travel plan for Delcy Rodríguez’s visit to Spain, initially framing it as a “private visit” to a “doctor.” The itinerary included a meeting with the “top official of Duro Felguera” and a dinner involving “all the ministers,” specifically noting that the “m of Health” would be present. The agenda also anticipated discussions around a potential Spain-Venezuela credit line.
Alfredo Chirino, who, according to the UCO, shares business interests in the oil sector and diamond trading with Aldama, was slated to attend these meetings. This suggests that Aldama viewed Delcy’s visit as not just a diplomatic engagement but also an opportunity for personal gain.
The plan was submitted to the Venezuelan vice president, who approved it on January 17, 2020. Aldama also collaborated closely with Delcy to craft the public narrative for her trip. Initially, she proposed attending the Fitur tourism fair, suggesting that “the Government wants to explore mechanisms to encourage negotiation.” Aldama confirmed this plan, stating it would involve both Fitur and a private medical trip.
On January 16, 2020, Ábalos informed Sánchez about Delcy’s upcoming “private” visit, stating that it would continue the discussions he had previously held with her brother, the Minister of Communication. He emphasized that the arrangements had benefitted Spanish companies, allowing Duro Felguera to collect a substantial debt. Sánchez’s reply was succinct: “Good.”
In the weeks leading up to the visit, a significant gold purchase and sale agreement was reached between Aldama and the Venezuelan government. A MacBook seized from Aldama contained a photograph of a contract with the National Development Fund of Venezuela (FONDEN), offering 104 gold bars valued at $68 million, with delivery expected between December 27, 2019, and January 6, 2020. Although Delcygate occurred shortly after this deadline, speculation surrounded her visit regarding an alleged transfer of gold in suitcases. Former minister Ábalos has consistently denied these allegations, describing them as a “hoax.” Nevertheless, the UCO suspects that arrangements for the gold transfer may have been discussed during Delcy’s visit, as Aldama referenced that “everything was ready” regarding the “yellow,” a term he used for gold.
Following the revelations by Vozpópuli, members of the Popular Party and then-deputy Ana Oramas suggested that Delcy Rodríguez’s flight was part of a so-called “gold route.” They alleged that Venezuelan gold was being melted down in Turkey, with speculation that the plane was carrying boxes of gold bars. Delcy’s delegation left Barajas on a commercial flight to Qatar, while a private jet departed shortly afterward for Istanbul.
Aldama’s ties to the PSOE date back long before Ábalos’s tenure as Minister of Transport and Secretary of Organization. His relationship with the party began through Koldo García, as both had worked for businessman Alberto Cortina in the past. Aldama’s increasing role as a facilitator for Globalia rendered the mediation attempts of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero unnecessary as he struggled to secure the repayment of debts from Venezuela amidst U.S. sanctions and Guaidó’s proclamation as interim president in January 2019.
The Civil Guard reports that Aldama had connections across Latin America, particularly in Venezuela, where he maintained high-level political, business, and social contacts. His role in facilitating negotiations for Globalia’s debt collection from the Venezuelan government became increasingly apparent.
In the early hours of January 20, 2020, Ábalos, along with Koldo García, arrived at Barajas airport, while Aldama independently made his way there, indicating he had direct access to the Venezuelan leadership and was aware of Delcy’s arrival. The AEAT report reveals that Aldama was there to collect the debt owed to Globalia, and subsequent evidence suggests he was instrumental in orchestrating the trip.
Pedro Sánchez has twice denied in Parliament any prior knowledge of Delcy’s visit. After the UCO disclosed that the trip had been approved, he claimed that the government was unaware of her individual EU sanctions, which prevented her from entering Spain until she arrived at Barajas. However, reports indicate that these sanctions have been known to Spanish consular staff and affected ministries since June 2018.
On January 20, Delcy Rodríguez, accompanied by Kenny Antonio Díaz, the director general of the vice presidency, took a Qatar Airways flight to Doha. The rest of her delegation, including Félix Plasencia, remained in Madrid. That day, the second edition of the UNWTO-Globalia Awards took place, attended by Begoña Gómez.
Between January 21 and 24, Plasencia held undisclosed meetings with Ábalos, during which they discussed engagements with executives from Globalia, Plus Ultra, and Meliá. Notably, Jorge Luis Brizuela Guevara, a partner in the Koldo plot, was also present at Fitur, where he met Ábalos, introducing himself as a healthcare businessman.
In the aftermath of Delcy’s departure, pressure mounted in several countries, including France and Germany, to prevent Guaidó from receiving a warm welcome during his tour. Ultimately, he did meet with Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel following a meeting with Boris Johnson. Sánchez’s government reportedly played a role in sidelining the Venezuelan opposition, declaring on January 21 that Sánchez would not meet Guaidó.
Opposition leader Leopoldo López has sought refuge in the Spanish Embassy in Caracas since April 30, 2019. He escaped to Madrid on October 24, 2020, and shortly after that, Aldama interceded on Sánchez’s behalf with Delcy, reminding her that López’s meeting with Sánchez was intended to be low-profile and of little significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position did Aldama hold in the Sánchez government?
Aldama served as a shadow minister, acting in various capacities to facilitate connections between the Sánchez administration and the Venezuelan government, especially prior to Delcy Rodríguez’s more formal engagements.
What was Aldama’s role in the Koldo plot?
Aldama has been identified as a central figure in the Koldo plot. In this plot, he brokered dealings that connected the Sánchez government to Venezuelan officials, including direct communications with Delcy Rodríguez.
How did Aldama influence Sánchez’s foreign policy regarding Venezuela?
Between February and December 2019, Aldama was instrumental in shifting Sánchez’s stance from supporting Juan Guaidó as interim president to fostering a more collaborative approach with the Maduro regime.
What were the key events involving Aldama and Delcy Rodríguez?
Aldama organized Delcy’s visit to Spain, developing a travel plan that included meetings with government officials and discussions on economic cooperation despite her being subject to EU sanctions.
What allegations have been made regarding Aldama’s business dealings?
Aldama is under investigation for potential involvement in financial schemes, including a significant hydrocarbon plot and a controversial gold purchase agreement with the Venezuelan government.
How did Aldama communicate with the Sánchez administration?
Aldama maintained direct lines of communication with key figures in the Sánchez government, including Pedro Sánchez and José Luis Ábalos, often discussing sensitive diplomatic matters.
What impact did Aldama’s actions have on Spanish-Venezuelan relations?
Aldama’s dealings are believed to have facilitated the normalization of relations between Spain and Venezuela, allowing for negotiations that were previously stalled due to political tensions.
Conclusion
Víctor de Aldama’s involvement as a shadow minister in the Sánchez government underscores the complex and often controversial nature of Spanish-Venezuelan relations. His activities, which included facilitating high-level meetings and orchestrating diplomatic engagements with the Chavista regime, illustrate a significant shift in Spain’s foreign policy—from supporting opposition leader Juan Guaidó to engaging directly with Nicolás Maduro’s administration.
Aldama’s role as an intermediary not only highlights the intricate web of political and business connections that influence governmental actions but also raises serious ethical questions regarding transparency and accountability. The ongoing investigations into his dealings, particularly concerning allegations of financial misconduct and the controversial gold purchase agreement, further complicate the narrative surrounding his influence.
