Justice is auctioning off Aldama's Ferrari F12 for 241,000 euros

The Spanish judiciary will auction a Ferrari F12 belonging to businessman Víctor de Aldama for 241,613 euros as part of ongoing legal proceedings related to a tax fraud case involving hydrocarbons. The vehicle was seized by authorities during the investigation into alleged illegal activities linked to value-added tax (IVA) evasion in the energy sector. The Ministry of Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Cortes has informed Judge Santiago Pedraz of the Audiencia Nacional that the asset will be put up for sale unless the judge objects within 10 days. The auction will take place via the official government auction platform, the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE). The case began to escalate in early 2024 when allegations of widespread tax fraud emerged in the hydrocarbon industry, implicating several key figures including Aldama and his business partner, Claudio Rivas. As part of the judicial process, Judge Pedraz ordered the temporary detention of Aldama and initiated measures to seize assets associated with the suspected criminal network. Among these assets was the Ferrari F12, which was taken into custody by the Office of Recovery and Management of Assets (ORGA), a state body responsible for managing confiscated property. The vehicle, registered in 2013, had not passed its required inspection (ITV) since 2024, raising concerns over its condition and market value. To determine the appropriate course of action, ORGA commissioned a valuation from Tinsa, a recognized appraisal firm. Based on this assessment, the estimated selling price of the Ferrari was set at 241,613 euros. However, the agency emphasized that the minimum bid would need to reach at least half of this amount, approximately 120,000 euros, to ensure the proceeds could cover potential fines or compensation arising from the legal proceedings. This approach reflects broader efforts by the state to monetize seized assets rather than incur costs associated with maintaining them. In addition to the Ferrari, three Land Rover off-road vehicles were included in the auction, collectively valued at around 200,000 euros. In May 2025, Aldama’s defense team formally requested that Judge Pedraz block the auction, arguing that the measure violated the presumption of innocence. They urged the court to preserve the vehicles in their current condition and avoid any actions that might prejudice the defendant’s rights. Despite this objection, ORGA maintained its stance, citing the financial burden of storing the vehicles and the risk of depreciation due to prolonged disuse. The agency argued that selling or auctioning the assets was more economically viable than continuing to hold them under state custody. The case against Aldama and Rivas centers on accusations of orchestrating a large-scale IVA fraud scheme, with prosecutors alleging losses totaling 231.7 million euros. The investigation has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the alleged wrongdoing and the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. Legal experts have noted that such cases often involve complex financial structures and require extensive evidence to establish culpability. The auction of the Ferrari represents one of many steps taken by authorities to recover funds and manage assets tied to the investigation. As the deadline for the judge’s response approaches, the outcome of this decision could influence future legal strategies and the handling of similar cases. Whether the auction proceeds will be used directly toward resolving the financial obligations stemming from the fraud or whether they will serve as additional assets in the broader legal framework remains unclear. For now, the focus remains on the procedural aspects of the case and the continued pursuit of justice through asset recovery mechanisms.