Another political scandal is brewing in Spain, potentially undermining trust in the country’s institutions. New details from the Leire Díez investigation implicate not only government associates, but also raise questions about the transparency of top officials. For Spaniards, this is more than just another sensational story—it raises concerns about possible interference in the judiciary and attempts to steer ongoing investigations, with potentially long-term consequences for the country’s political stability.
On Monday, businessman Luis del Rivero testified in court in connection with the Leire case, where Judge Arturo Zamarriego questioned him. During the hearing, del Rivero suggested that the pseudonym ‘El 1’ refers to the head of government himself, and that information about Leire Díez’s activities could have reached him through intermediaries. When directly asked about the identity of ‘El 1’, del Rivero was evasive, but hinted that it was Pedro Sánchez.
Investigators are examining the activities of Leire Díez, known as the ‘fontanera’ (plumber) of the Socialist Party, in connection with her efforts to obtain confidential information about the work of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the Central Operational Unit of the Civil Guard (UCO). According to the investigation, Díez did not act independently but represented the interests of high-ranking officials.
Secret meetings and negotiations
Del Rivero played a key role in arranging a meeting between former Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Ignacio Stampa, Leire Díez, and businessman Javier Pérez Dolset. At the meeting, according to the witness, Díez and Dolset offered Stampa to return to the prosecutor’s office and handle certain cases, allegedly acting on behalf of senior authorities.
Investigators obtained WhatsApp messages between del Rivero and Stampa discussing the upcoming meeting. In one message, del Rivero wrote: “El 1 decides.” During questioning, he explained that he meant “the number one in the organization,” without specifying whom he was referring to.
According to del Rivero, the initiative to introduce him to Leire Díez came from Dolset, who described her as “a very important person.” The organizational secretary of the Socialist Party, Santos Cerdán, was also expected at the meeting, but he never showed up.
Records and statements
The meeting with Prosecutor Stampa took place on May 11, 2025, and was secretly recorded by Stampa himself. At the meeting, Leire Díez introduced herself as a representative of the Socialist Party and said, “I am the person the PSOE appointed to find out what’s going on,” referring to the investigation into alleged irregularities in the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the UCO.
In other episodes, according to the investigation, Díez repeatedly referred to ‘El 1’—sometimes as the head of government, other times as the party leader, which investigators believe points to Pedro Sánchez. However, Del Rivero did not directly confirm this theory, limiting himself to hints.
The investigation continues to reveal new details that may shed light on how decisions are made at the highest levels of power. Investigators are still analyzing correspondence and audio recordings to determine who was behind Díez’s actions and how far up the chain of command the information traveled.
Connection with previous events
In the context of this case, it’s worth recalling that RUSSPAIN.COM previously covered the topic of secret negotiations and unexpected statements by participants in the investigation. One article, in particular, delved into the details of a meeting between Cerdán and Díez, where documents that could affect the course of the case were discussed. At the time, attention focused on the fact that the meeting took place without the knowledge of the head of government, and the information exchange could have changed the dynamics of the investigation. You can read more about those events in the publication at the link.
Context and consequences
Stories about attempts to influence legal proceedings and intervene in the work of the prosecutor’s office have become common on Spain’s political scene in recent years. There have been high-profile cases where key figures tried to use their connections to obtain information or put pressure on the investigation. Particularly sensational were incidents involving wiretaps, secret meetings, and data leaks, which invariably sparked heated public debate and cast doubt on the independence of the judicial system.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced situations where investigations have reached the highest levels of power, and those involved have tried to influence the course of justice through informal channels. These events highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the operation of state institutions, as well as the need for constant oversight by society and the media.
