The surprising discovery by the UCO after dismantling the hydrocarbon scheme

The UCO has seized more than €250,000 and 14 top-level watches in raids on those involved in the hydrocarbon tax fraud. A total of €152,000 in cash was seized, found in bills of various denominations, and the illicit origin of the funds was detailed.

Claudio Rivas, partner of the alleged fixer Koldo Víctor de Aldama, kept €23,730 at his home, according to UCO reports. The largest amount seized, €102,050, was found at another detainee's house, with 1,843 €50 bills and hundreds more of other denominations.

Judge Santiago Pedraz, of the National Court, lifted the gag order last Friday, revealing details of the case. The raids conducted by the UCO were part of an operation that included the arrest of 14 people on October 7.

The tax fraud under investigation amounts to €182 million, according to the initial estimates of the judicial proceedings. The case, led by the Central Court of Instruction number 5, points to tax crimes, money laundering, and criminal organization.

The scheme operated through a complex system of tax evasion on hydrocarbons, generating enormous illicit profits. Among the seized items were top-level watches, whose value reinforces the money laundering accusations.

The modus operandi described in the reports details how income was concealed to evade tax payments for years. Koldo Víctor de Aldama, identified as a key figure in the fraud, remains under investigation for crimes against the Public Treasury.

Aldama's partner, Rivas, was initially sent to provisional prison but was released after cooperating with the Justice system. The cooperation of those involved allowed for the recovery of more assets and progress in the investigations, according to sources in the case.

The UCO continues to analyze the documents seized during the 11 searches conducted in homes and businesses. Magistrate Pedraz highlighted the seriousness of the fraud and emphasized the importance of clarifying the full extent of the scheme.

The hydrocarbon case reflects a sophisticated tax fraud scheme that severely affected the Spanish public coffers. The Civil Guard continues to trace possible international connections of the network to dismantle its structure completely.

In addition to the money and watches, other assets that could be linked to money laundering are being investigated. International cooperation is key, as authorities seek to trace funds in tax havens related to the case.

The operation also aims to identify more individuals involved in the scheme, which could extend to other economic sectors. The hydrocarbon scheme represents one of the largest tax fraud cases in Spain in recent years.