Spain's Supreme Court has requested parliamentary approval to investigate former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos for alleged involvement in a corruption network.

Judge Leopoldo Puente cited evidence suggesting Ábalos may have committed crimes including embezzlement, bribery, and influence peddling.

The investigation focuses on emergency contracts for COVID-19 supplies, where Ábalos and associates allegedly profited through inflated deals.

Businessman Víctor de Aldama and former advisor Koldo García are also implicated.

The court seeks to lift Ábalos' parliamentary immunity to further probe his financial dealings.

Ábalos denies the allegations, presenting documents to counter the claims.