Spain is facing another corruption scandal involving government contracts. The anti-corruption prosecutor has requested that several suspects be released under judicial supervision, including former Socialist Leire Díez, former SEPI head Vicente Fernández Guerrero, and Basque entrepreneur Antxon Alonso. All were detained this week on suspicion of participating in a criminal scheme related to the allocation of public contracts.
The prosecutor is seeking restrictive measures: confiscation of passports, a travel ban, and a requirement to report to court every two weeks. Judge Antonio Piña, who leads the investigation at the National Court, heard testimony from the detainees after they were brought to Madrid by Civil Guard officers.
Details of the investigation
The investigation concerns alleged serious crimes, including abuse of power, embezzlement, influence peddling, and participation in an organized criminal group. The case files remain sealed, but it is known that the investigation began after the change of government in 2018, when the Socialists came to power.
During questioning, Leire Díez and Anxon Alonso exercised their right to remain silent. Meanwhile, Vicente Fernández Guerrero answered investigators’ questions and categorically denied all allegations. According to investigators, the suspects may have been involved in receiving illegal commissions in connection with contracts with state-owned companies.
Case figures
The focus was not only on former officials but also on business representatives. Anxon Alonso, owner of Servinabar, maintained close ties with former PSOE Organization Secretary Santos Cerdán. Vicente Fernández Guerrero, who previously headed SEPI, took a key position in the state enterprise system after the Socialists came to power.
Leire Díez, a former Socialist Party activist, was appointed head of communications at the state-owned company Enusa, which operates in the uranium industry. During that period, Enusa was led by José Vicente Berlanga, an associate of former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos, who also came under suspicion.
Investigation progress
Officers from the Central Operative Unit of the Guardia Civil (UCO) believe the scheme for distributing state contracts and collecting possible kickbacks began shortly after the change of government. Investigators paid particular attention to payments that may have been made as illegal commissions.
During the interrogation, Fernández Guerrero was questioned about his work as an external advisor for Servinabar, as well as the circumstances surrounding contracts signed with government agencies. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, neither side requested that the suspects be remanded in custody, which prevented the judge from ordering their detention.
Restrictive measures
The prosecution considers restrictions on the suspects’ freedom of movement sufficient to ensure their attendance at investigative actions and to prevent possible interference in the investigation. Judge Piña continues to work on the case, and all materials remain classified.
The investigation is ongoing, and new details about possible links between those involved and other government entities are expected soon. Authorities are also examining financial flows and contracts involving the suspects over recent years.
