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.
Links 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 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
