Overview
- Díaz Bidart told Judge Santiago Pedraz he met Víctor de Aldama, Koldo García and Carmen Pano at the Industry Ministry in December 2020, said the encounter lasted about five minutes, and said he does not recall receiving any paperwork.
- He reiterated that García was present only for introductions and denied dining with him or holding a second meeting on January 13, 2021, citing a medical appointment, contradicting UCO notes and Pano’s account.
- A licensing specialist testified a day earlier that the ministry lacked competence over such permits, heard no advisory call or promise of a 60‑day turnaround, and said these authorisations typically take six months to two years.
- Investigators highlight that Villafuel’s application was filed on December 28, 2020, with the technician later assisting “Marisa” and “Pedro” remotely, while Pano says she passed documents on February 16 to Aldama and then to García.
- The UCO alleges intermediaries sought to use José Luis Ábalos’s influence to secure a favourable resolution for Villafuel, which is central to a suspected VAT fraud exceeding €200 million under ongoing Audiencia Nacional scrutiny.