'Koldo Case': Guardia Civil Uncovers Coded Language for Cash in Corruption Scandal, Intensifying Political Pressure

'Chistorras,' 'Soles,' and 'Folios': Encrypted Language in the Koldo Case

An investigation by the Unidad Central Operativa (UCO) of the Guardia Civil has uncovered encrypted language used by those involved in the so-called ‘Koldo case’ to discuss cash transactions. The report, submitted to the Tribunal Supremo, details how the individuals attempted to conceal the movement of money.

Key Figures and Their Code Words

The investigation reveals that Koldo García, a former ministerial advisor, and his ex-wife, Patricia Úriz, used specific terms to refer to different denominations of euro banknotes. “Chistorras” represented €500 bills, “soles” signified €200 bills, and “lechugas” stood for €100 bills.

Furthermore, the former Minister of Transport, José Luis Ábalos, also had his own code with García, referring to money as “folios” or “cajas de folios”. The UCO believes this language was deliberately used to hide the existence of cash.

Evidence of Hidden Accounting

According to the UCO, the existence of this coded language indicates an attempt to conceal the existence of cash. The investigators believe that some of these transactions occurred through envelopes collected at the PSOE headquarters on Ferraz Street in Madrid. The agents believe Koldo and Úriz were tasked with centralizing the "chistorras" and exchanging them for smaller denominations via trusted intermediaries in Navarra.

The investigation suggests the existence of both on-the-books ('A') and off-the-books ('B') accounting practices linked to Ábalos's expenses, indicating that he handled at least €95,437 in undeclared cash.

Deciphering WhatsApp Conversations

Investigators decoded the encrypted language by analyzing WhatsApp conversations among those involved. In one exchange, Koldo mentions to his ex-wife, Patricia Úriz, that he has “a little joy for election day,” to which Úriz responds with surprise. Koldo replies, "We have meat for a while, let's save a little bit, I'm tired," implying that “2,000 chistorras” would equate to one million euros. Other messages showed Koldo requesting 3,750 euros and Úriz asking, “Are the chistorras valid?”

The Guardia Civil also documented messages where Ábalos asked Koldo for “folios for home,” a term the investigators believe the former minister used to refer to cash. García even wrote to Úriz, “Remember the folios for the boss in his office.”

Political Reactions and Fallout

Sources from the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) maintain that “there is no illegal financing,” and that payments to Ábalos “are remunerated expenses and justified with their corresponding invoices.” Ábalos himself has defended his innocence and denounced the “tendentious intentionality” of the Guardia Civil report.

The opposition has seized upon these revelations to increase pressure on the government. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the PP (People's Party), stated that “Sánchez will end badly,” while Cuca Gamarra, a PP spokesperson, declared, “Game over for the Government, elections now.” Santiago Abascal, president of Vox, demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister: “Resign and make yourself available to the courts, shameless.”

In contrast to the escalating declarations, the Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, called for “transparency” and urged that justice be allowed to act “to the last consequences.”