Spain’s former Minister for Transport José Luis Ábalos has applied to have the recent search of his home in Valencia declared null and void. His lawyer Marino Turiel argues that the measure on 5 November 2026 violated, among other things, the right of defence and the inviolability of the home. Ábalos was not present during the search.
The news agency EFE and television channel La Sexta reported on 15 November National Court on the application to the. They did not give a filing date. According to La Sexta, the defence is also seeking to have the court order authorising the search, issued by investigating judge Ismael Moreno, set aside.
The measure is part of a separate investigation at the Koldo caseinto possible illegal commissions linked to public contracts from Ábalos’ time as Minister for Transport. In a part of the case that has already been adjudicated, the former minister was convicted by the Supreme Court ; he is in prison. The ongoing investigations and the earlier judgment concern different parts of the proceedings.
According to EFE, the defence argues that Ábalos was not served with the order opening the separate proceedings. His partner, Andrea de la Torre was in the flat during the search. She was arrested and later released as a suspect. The lawyer objects that she did not have legal representation during the search and that her interests could conflict with Ábalos’ interests.
Turiel also questions the grounds for, and proportionality of, the renewed search. The same flat had already been searched in June 2025. The defence argues that it must be explained why evidence relating to events in 2023 and 2024 would still have been expected to be found there in November 2026.
According to the lawyer, eleven electronic devices were seized during the search without their owners being identified. One of them was a computer from the room of a minor who has nothing to do with the proceedings. The defence is seeking the return of the device and has applied for the examination of the seized devices to be suspended temporarily.
Ábalos also objects that officers entered a room on the ground floor without judicial authorisation. Whether his objections are justified is a matter for the court; the defence’s allegations are not a judicial finding.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).