Spain’s former transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, has been ordered remanded in custody by the Supreme Court amid a widening corruption probe, as authorities cite extreme flight risk tied to the case.

If prosecutors prevail in the Supreme Court decision, Ábalos could be held in custody before trial—an unprecedented move for someone of his political stature in Spain.

Ábalos, along with his former adviser Koldo García, faces charges tied to a Covid-19 mask contracting scheme, marking him as the first serving deputy in Spain to be jailed pre-trial.

The government and Prime Minister Sánchez deny any contact with EH Bildu leader Arnaldo Otegi, while Otegi calls reports of meetings fabrication aimed at political manipulation.

Analysts note Ábalos and García have offered ambiguous accounts of a reported 2018 meeting with Sánchez, with theories suggesting they may be testing political lines or exposing other powerful actors.

The detention decision was issued in a formal writ, reflecting the ongoing and high-stakes nature of the investigation.

Opposition figures argue the statements imply secret deals between Sánchez and Otegi, signaling broader political and economic tensions regardless of the court ruling.

Charges include membership in a criminal organization, bribery, influence peddling, embezzlement, and related offenses, with civil plaintiffs seeking up to 30 years for each defendant.

Investigators allege a “criminal pact” to leverage Ábalos’s government position to secure public contracts for companies linked to the Aldama group when opportunities arose.

Past public taps into judicial secrecy and leaks also loom, as Sánchez’s administration faces scrutiny over information handling by officials they appointed.

Reports recount alleged secret 2018 meetings in the Basque Country involving Sánchez and Otegi, with García named as driver, prompting debate over sources and leaks.

Prime Minister Sánchez has apologized for the situation, denying illegal party financing and arguing the opposition is manufacturing a political conspiracy against him.