A scandal is brewing in Spain around the steel company Sidenor, whose management has become the focus of an investigation over alleged illegal steel shipments to Israel. Authorities launched the inquiry after it emerged that steel produced at the Basauri plant was regularly shipped from the port of Haifa to the Israeli company IMI Systems, which specializes in arms manufacturing.
Attention was drawn to Sidenor following a complaint filed by the Association of the Palestinian Community of Catalonia. The complaint alleges that the company had been regularly shipping steel for at least ten months without the necessary authorization from Spanish authorities. According to the complaint, the last major shipment was sent in June 2025, with another one scheduled for July.
Francisco de Jorge, judge at the Audiencia Nacional, has summoned Sidenor president José Antonio Jainaga and two top managers for questioning in November. They face possible charges of smuggling and complicity in crimes against humanity or even genocide. Investigators believe the company’s management was aware of the steel’s final destination and that it would be used to manufacture weapons amid the continuing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
On the day news broke about the criminal case, Sidenor announced it was immediately cutting all commercial ties with Israel. The company said the decision was linked to the position of the Spanish government, which had suspended all contracts with Israeli firms back in April. However, the coincidence in timing with the start of the investigation raised questions among the public and trade unions, who demanded explanations from management.
Investigation details and the company’s response
The case files reference several large shipments of steel sent to Israel by sea. Specifically, they mention 393 tons delivered in June 2025, as well as other consignments shipped over the previous year. All these deliveries were allegedly not approved by Spanish authorities and were not registered in the relevant state registries.
Evidence includes shipping documents and reports confirming the origin of the steel and its final destination — Ramat Hasharon, where IMI Systems is headquartered. At the same time, Spain’s Ministry of Economy officially stated that it had not issued any licenses for the export of dual-use materials or military goods to Israel.
Commenting on the situation, Sidenor issued a brief statement expressing its willingness to cooperate with the investigation and reiterated its decision to end all business relations with its Israeli partners. Company representatives declined to answer further questions about the reasons for this move.
Potential consequences for business and politics
The Sidenor case could set a precedent for the entire Spanish export-driven industry. The investigation into such a high-profile matter has attracted the attention not only of the public but also of politicians and labor unions, who are demanding transparency and accountability from major companies. In the coming months, it will become clear whether the probe will lead to legal proceedings and how it might affect Spain’s economic relations with Israel and other countries in the region.
