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, 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 attempting to obstruct ongoing legal proceedings, the network also aimed to shield Pedro Sánchez in relation to the so-called “Hydrocarbons Case.” Several prominent individuals tied to this matter, among them businessman Víctor de Aldama, have explicitly linked the Prime Minister to the affair, asserting that he knew about the illicit commissions paid to the former Minister of Transport. The investigation indicates that this issue was equally significant for Santos Cerdán and his team, who had been instructed to collect information and reduce its possible political impact.
Messages and Direct 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 involved in another sensitive information case, disclosed meetings where promises were made regarding the ability to influence key appointments within the Guardia Civil. According to reports, these strategies were directly linked to the Prime Minister.
Political and Legal Influence on the PSOE
The scandal has caused significant political fallout. The repeated mention of Pedro Sánchez’s name in the reports reinforces allegations of improper resource and strategy management to shield the government. For the time being, the extent of Sánchez’s involvement and control over these activities remains under investigation by judicial authorities.
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
