Ex-Transport Minister Faces Jail in Corruption Probe

Spain's Supreme Court has ordered former Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos to be held in pre-trial detention. Abalos, linked to a corruption scandal, faces up to 24 years in prison for allegedly rigging public contracts for COVID-19 supplies. Abalos and his aide deny any wrongdoing.

Spain's Supreme Court has ordered the pre-trial detention of former Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos, citing a potential flight risk. This move comes amid a corruption scandal entangling the leftist administration of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The court decision follows a push by anti-graft prosecutors who are seeking a 24-year sentence for Abalos. He, alongside his aide Koldo Garcia and a businessman, are accused of manipulating public contracts for medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the serious charges, both Abalos and Garcia have denied any involvement in the alleged fraudulent activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)