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 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.
Links 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.
Messages and Direct 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 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 Judicial Impact 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: El Mundo – https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/06/03/6a204b8bfdddff1a798b4595.html
