This will be the key statement in the hydrocarbons plot that compromises the Government

On February 26, Claudio Rivas, partner of Víctor de Aldama, has a key appointment at the National Court.

Judge Santiago Pedraz has summoned him to testify about his involvement in the company Gaslow. A crucial part of the hydrocarbons scheme that investigates several high-ranking officials of Pedro Sánchez's government.

The investigation, which began in 2019, is focused on an alleged VAT fraud exceeding 180 million euros.

Rivas, who was imprisoned on October 10, was released on December 17. Now, he's back in the spotlight for his management at Gaslow.

The summons comes after several months of investigations into the operator. This firm is accused of being an essential hub in the network. Involving other companies, like Villafuel and Have Got Time, linked to Aldama.

The company Gaslow was initially controlled by Isidoro Gutiérrez, former commercial director of Sara's. However, between 2019 and 2020, Rivas and his partners took the reins.

Those involved in the scheme, like Jesús de Gregorio and Emilio Carrillo, are also listed in Pedraz's summons. The connection with Villafuel and other firms, like Bludger, has further complicated the judicial landscape.

The case is related to the hydrocarbons fraud, which includes both VAT and biofuel fraud. Gaslow, linked to Aldama, is considered the seed of this network that has operated in various jurisdictions. From the courts of Madrid to the National Court.

The hydrocarbons scheme has deep ramifications in the sector. Gaslow, along with Villafuel, is part of a network of companies that have been investigated for defrauding large amounts of money from the Treasury.

In this context, Rivas and his partners find themselves at the center of a judicial case with implications for Pedro Sánchez's government.

Besides Rivas's summons, businessmen Jesús de Gregorio, Emilio Carrillo, and Manuel Salles will also face justice. The investigation, which has put several personalities in the energy sector on edge, is focused on Gaslow's activities between 2020 and 2021.

The connections with other fraud cases, like that of former minister José Luis Ábalos and the chalet paid for by Have Got Time. Have only increased the case's relevance. The hydrocarbons sector has been fertile ground for irregularities, with multiple complaints and accusations of tax fraud.

The Gaslow case also involves the disqualification of three key companies in the scheme, like Everton Magnific and Martankship, due to their participation in the biofuel fraud. This underscores the magnitude of the problem facing the energy sector and its political implications.

Claudio Rivas's testimony on February 26 will be one of the most anticipated in the framework of this complex hydrocarbons scheme. The trial could shed light on how these fraudulent companies operated and their connection with high-ranking political figures.