New Evidence Links Manuel García-Castellón to Plus Ultra Influence Scandal
Leaked messages reveal that former judge Manuel García-Castellón allegedly used his influence to favor Plus Ultra, including mediating with political parties and assisting in financial disputes. The findings highlight deep personal ties between the former magistrate and the airline's executive team, raising serious concerns regarding judicial impartiality.
Highlights
- •Internal chats suggest Manuel García-Castellón allegedly offered to influence Vox regarding the Plus Ultra legal case.
- •Airline executives reportedly sought the former judge’s help to frame their case during a private dinner with Santiago Abascal.
- •Correspondence reveals the judge allegedly facilitated the unlocking of 3.7 million euros held by Bankinter.
- •The president of Plus Ultra, Julio Martínez Sola, requested to contact the former judge immediately upon his arrest in 2025.
Leaked internal communications have sparked significant scrutiny regarding the conduct of former magistrate Manuel García-Castellón. The documents, derived from police investigation files, suggest an intimate and possibly irregular relationship between the former judge and the leadership of the airline Plus Ultra. These revelations have cast a shadow over past judicial procedures involving the company.
Allegations of Improper Influence and Judicial Favoritism
The uncovered digital chats, dating back to 2022, reveal that Manuel García-Castellón allegedly coordinated with Plus Ultra executives to manage political optics. According to the records, the former judge reportedly offered to intercede with members of the political party Vox to mitigate legal pressure against the airline. At the time, Vox served as a private accuser in a high-profile case regarding a 53-million-euro government bailout granted to the firm.
Evidence indicates that Julio Martínez Sola, the president of Plus Ultra, sought the former magistrate’s assistance in crafting a narrative to present to Santiago Abascal, the leader of Vox, during a private social gathering. The airline's management team was instructed to draft a formal summary of arguments designed to convince the political leader that the legal case against the company was baseless.
Furthermore, internal messages highlight a deep personal connection between Martínez Sola and García-Castellón, whom staff members frequently referred to by the nickname "Manolo" or "Manolo Privé." Beyond political maneuvers, the correspondence suggests the former judge played an active role in banking-related issues. The airline's leadership noted that Manuel García-Castellón helped facilitate the release of 3.7 million euros that had been frozen by Bankinter.
The extent of this professional intimacy was further underscored by events in late 2025. Upon his arrest in connection with the Plus Ultra case, Martínez Sola reportedly requested that police officers contact the former judge immediately. These combined incidents suggest a long-standing and complex dynamic that has prompted widespread discussion regarding the boundaries between judicial authority and corporate interests.
As investigators continue to analyze the provided evidence, the legal community remains focused on the implications of these private communications. The case raises critical questions about judicial independence and the potential for extralegal influence within the higher tiers of the Spanish judiciary. The ongoing analysis of these records continues to provide new insights into the actions of Manuel García-Castellón and his associates during his tenure at the National Court.
