Claudia Montes

Claudia Montes, identified as a former Miss Asturias (2017, +30 category) and a friend of ex-Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos, has become a key figure in the ongoing 'Caso Mascarillas' trial. This trial centers around allegations of corruption and bribery related to government contracts for face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Montes's testimony is newsworthy because she is suspected of having been improperly placed in a public sector job through Ábalos's influence. Recent reports detail her appearance at the Supreme Court, where her testimony, along with that of Jéssica Rodríguez, another former acquaintance of Ábalos, is seen as potentially damaging to the ex-minister. The trial is examining whether Ábalos used his position to favor friends and associates within public companies like Renfe and Adif. Montes's involvement highlights the alleged abuse of power and potential misuse of public funds within the transport ministry during Ábalos's tenure.