A new scandal is unfolding in Spain’s judicial system, one that could reach the highest levels of power. Judge Arturo Zamarriego has sent a request to the prosecutor’s office demanding an official stance regarding a lawsuit that calls for a criminal investigation of the PSOE party. At the center of the controversy is Leire Díez, who has earned the nickname “the plumber” in political circles for her penchant for informal schemes and attempts to obtain confidential information.
Díez is suspected of trying to access materials held by the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office and the Central Operative Unit (UCO). The organization Hazte Oír not only filed the lawsuit but has also expanded it, insisting on subpoenaing several high-ranking PSOE members as witnesses. Among them are close associates of the party’s leadership, which adds further tension to the case.
Secret Meetings
Leire Díez, presenting herself as a PSOE confidante and the right hand of Santos Cerdán, was in active contact with businesspeople and even a prosecutor. It is Cerdán who is expected to testify in court in early February. Investigators want to know how Díez attempted to obtain classified information, and which party officials were aware of her actions.
In May last year, prosecutor Ignacio Stampa secretly recorded a meeting with Díez, during which she explicitly stated that she was acting on behalf of the party. However, Díez herself claimed she would never appear in public and prefers to remain behind the scenes. According to investigators, Serdán was aware of these contacts and will now have to explain himself in court.
Investigation Expanded
The judge ordered that a copy of the expanded complaint be sent to the Madrid prosecutor’s office so that the department could give its position on all of Hazte Oír’s demands. These include not only an investigation into Díez herself, but also a review of PSOE’s activities as a legal entity. The party and its leadership are already under scrutiny due to other cases initiated by the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office and the UCO.
The extended complaint lists the names of former minister José Luis Ábalos, adviser Koldo García, chair Cristina Narbona, former communications director Ion Antolín, and former assistant to Serdán — Juanfran Serrano. All of them may be called to testify in court.
Leaked Audiotapes
Unexpected details are emerging in the case. In addition to Díez, businessman Javier Pérez Dolset is also under investigation. He reportedly met with prosecutor Stampa and visited the PSOE central office in the spring of 2024. At one of these meetings, an audio file recorded in 2014 by former commissioner Villarejo was handed over. The recording mentions saunas allegedly managed by the father-in-law of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, where, according to those present, prostitution may have taken place.
This revelation has caused a storm in political circles. The president and the party were quick to present themselves as victims of a so-called para-police conspiracy. However, prosecutor Stampa claims that Díez did not deny her acquaintance with Sánchez and attended the meeting at his request. The question of who and why was trying to obtain compromising material on the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office remains unanswered.
Questions without answers
The legal proceedings in the ‘Leire case’ are just gaining momentum. Ahead lie the questioning of key witnesses, new publications, and possibly unexpected twists. The entire country is watching the developments, as not just the reputation of individual politicians is at stake, but also trust in key institutions. The question of who is behind attempts to pressure anti-corruption authorities remains unresolved. One thing is clear: this scandal has already become one of the most high-profile in Spain’s recent history.
