The Central Operative Unit (UCO) of the Guardia Civil has concluded that the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, referenced by the code name “El One,” was the primary figure to profit from the activities allegedly orchestrated by a network headed by Santos Cerdán and Leire Díez. As detailed in the case overview accessed by El Mundo, this network reportedly functioned to safeguard PSOE’s interests and delay judicial inquiries that implicated both the party and members of the government.
Coordinated Activities to Shield the PSOE Leadership
The summary reveals that Cerdán and Díez devised strategies aimed at collecting compromising information on judges, prosecutors, and public figures to neutralize potential investigations harmful to Pedro Sánchez and his associates. These activities intensified notably after judicial proceedings were opened against the Prime Minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez, in April 2024. At that point, a series of meetings and leaks were initiated to “protect the interests at stake.”
Díez, known as “the plumber” of PSOE, played a key role in on-the-ground operations, while Cerdán, operating in a senior leadership position, oversaw the network’s activities. The Guardia Civil highlights that the organization operated with “unity of action and direction” to achieve its intended goals.
References to the Hydrocarbons Case
In addition to its efforts to derail legal cases, the network sought to protect Pedro Sánchez within the framework of the so-called “Hydrocarbons Case.” Key figures in this case, including businessman Víctor de Aldama, have directly implicated the Prime Minister, claiming he was aware of illegal commissions paid to the former Minister of Transport. According to the investigation, this issue was also crucial to Santos Cerdán and his team, who were directly ordered to gather information and mitigate its potential political repercussions.
Communications and Clear Evidence
The UCO’s investigation includes messages and communications from Leire Díez that explicitly reference instructions given by “El One,” a nickname within the network used to identify Pedro Sánchez. These messages include directives to take political and media action in defense of the government and the Prime Minister.
Additionally, Felipe Villalba, a commander tied to another case involving sensitive information, recounted meetings in which assurances were offered about being able to sway crucial appointments within the Guardia Civil, and reports indicate that these maneuvers were directly associated with the Prime Minister.
Political and Legal Influence on the PSOE
The scandal has triggered considerable political repercussions, and the frequent appearance of Pedro Sánchez’s name in the reports further underscores the claims of mishandled resources and strategies intended to protect the government, while judicial authorities continue to examine the scope of Sánchez’s role and oversight in these actions.
The ongoing investigation continues to scrutinize the responsibilities of Sánchez’s “inner circle” and the full scope of operations conducted under his administration. If these allegations are confirmed, this could become a landmark case, calling into question transparency and ethical practices in Spanish politics.
Source: courtesy of El Mundo – https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/06/03/6a204b8bfdddff1a798b4595.html
