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.
Synchronized Efforts to Safeguard the PSOE Leadership
The summary indicates that Cerdán and Díez developed tactics designed to gather compromising details about judges, prosecutors, and other public figures in order to suppress any inquiries that might negatively affect Pedro Sánchez and his circle. These efforts grew significantly after judicial proceedings were launched against the Prime Minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez, in April 2024. From that moment, various meetings and planned leaks were set in motion to safeguard the interests involved.
Díez, known as “the plumber” of PSOE, assumed a pivotal role in field operations, while Cerdán, positioned in senior leadership, oversaw the network’s actions. The Guardia Civil emphasizes that the organization operated with unified direction and purpose to fulfill its objectives.
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 draws on messages and communications from Leire Díez that clearly mention directives issued by “El One,” a nickname used within the network to refer to Pedro Sánchez, and these exchanges outline instructions to undertake political and media efforts aimed at supporting 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 is still examining the extent of Sánchez’s “inner circle” responsibilities, along with the breadth of operations carried out during his administration, and if these accusations are validated, the case could set a significant precedent that challenges transparency and ethical standards in Spanish politics.
Source: El Mundo – https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/06/03/6a204b8bfdddff1a798b4595.html
