A Spanish court on Monday handed down a 24-year prison sentence to Jose Luis Abalos, a former transport minister and close ally of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in a high-profile corruption case. The ruling delivered a significant blow to the Socialist-led government, which has been grappling with a series of allegations involving Sanchez’s family and former political associates.

Abalos, a prominent figure within the Socialist Party and a key contributor to Sanchez’s ascent to power in 2018, was found guilty by the Supreme Court of multiple charges including membership in a criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement of public funds, and influence peddling. Alongside him, Koldo Garcia, a former adviser to Abalos, received a 19-year sentence for the same offenses.

The case centered on accusations that both men accepted kickbacks in exchange for awarding public contracts worth millions of euros for pandemic-related sanitary equipment during the Covid-19 crisis. Prosecutors argued that Abalos and Garcia misused their government roles and influence to benefit businessman Victor de Aldama. Aldama, also tried in the case, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison; however, his term was suspended due to his cooperation with investigators.

In its judgment, the court underscored the damaging impact of corruption on public confidence and emphasized how such misconduct threatens the integrity of democratic institutions. The verdict underscores ongoing challenges faced by Sanchez’s minority coalition, which has been destabilized by a series of corruption probes into his close circle.

Abalos had served as the Socialist Party’s influential organization secretary and later as transport minister after Sanchez assumed office. His conviction marks a significant chapter in the broader investigation into political corruption in Spain at a time when public trust in the government remains fragile.