The Lawyer of Hugo Chávez's Right-Hand Man Will Be Koldo García's New Defense

The former advisor to Pedro Sánchez's Minister of Transport, Koldo García, made a last-minute decision ahead of his upcoming statement in the Supreme Court. The trusted man of the PSOE, who is charged with several alleged crimes, decided to change his lawyer to face justice next Tuesday, February 18.

Koldo García chose none other than lawyer Ismael Oliver, the attorney who defended the former intelligence service agent of Hugo Chávez. This is the now-imprisoned Hugo Armando Carvajal in the United States, better known as 'El Pollo' Carvajal, who was extradited from Spain to the United States by the DEA.

Carvajal was a key figure for the Chavista regime. He was accused by the U.S. justice system of "conspiracy for narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and firearms-related offenses." But he hasn't been the only Chavista defended by Koldo García's new lawyer.

One of his clients was another piece of the Chavista regime, the former Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Energy Nervis Villalobos. He was arrested under a U.S. arrest warrant for his alleged involvement in a major bribery scheme related to the state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA).

Behind Koldo's Decision "Is Santos Cerdán"

Supposedly, last week a strategy was finalized to exert greater control over Koldo García, former advisor to José Luis Ábalos. This was to prevent the growing judicial pressure from becoming a problem for Moncloa.

Koldo allegedly maintains frequent communication with Santos Cerdán. All of this, according to El Confidencial, which also claims that the PSOE's Secretary of Organization talks almost daily with Koldo.

Since his arrest in February 2024, Koldo and his wife, Patricia Uriz, have been legally represented by Manuel Medina. The founder of the prestigious law firm Medina Cuadros and with a recognized career in the criminal field.

In an unexpected turn in his legal strategy, Koldo García decided last Wednesday to dispense with the services of his lawyer, Manuel Medina. After this, he decided to entrust his defense to Ismael Oliver, a jurist of recognized prestige and extensive experience in criminal law.

Although no legal or personal reason has emerged to justify the change, the appointment of Oliver represents a significant move in the case.

Among the new lawyer's clients is the former head of Venezuela's intelligence services, Hugo Armando Carvajal, alias "El Pollo." He is involved in various legal cases.

This change in defense comes at a key moment in the investigation. This could indicate a new approach in Koldo's procedural strategy.