The latest investigation centers on former senior members of the PSOE and representatives of the construction company Acciona. Investigators have obtained photographs which, according to the UCO, may indicate attempts to influence the awarding of major contracts.
In January 2019, former Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos, ex-Secretary of Territorial Organization of PSOE Santos Cerdán, and former advisor Koldo García traveled to Morocco. Investigators believe that it was there the possibility of transferring the large port in Kenitra to Acciona was discussed. One photo taken during this trip was sent by Koldo García to a certain “Maria the Translator” in Morocco with a note stating it was confidential.
A second set of images, found on the phone of Santos Cerdán’s close friend Joseba Anchona Alonso, shows Cerdán meeting with Acciona’s former director of construction, Justo Vicente Pelegrini. Pelegrini has recently become a defendant in the Supreme Court case. According to the UCO, the meeting took place on June 20, 2019. Investigators believe the participants discussed contract distribution details, writing them on paper that was later destroyed to leave no trace.
Meetings in Madrid and suspicious connections
Another photograph, dated June 12, 2019, captured Pelegrini and Cerdán in conversation at the Madrid venue El Pentagrama on Palma Street. This photo was also found on the phone of Anchona Alonso, the owner of Servinabar, a company now under investigation.
Interestingly, as far back as February 2016, Anchon Alonso sent Serdán photos of a costume for the Basque sport “aizkolari,” featuring the logos of Geoalcali and Servinabar, who were acting as sponsors. Another photo shows Koldo García participating in a competition in this sport, with the sponsoring companies’ logos also visible on his uniform.
The investigation is ongoing
All these materials have become part of a case involving allegations of collusion in the awarding of public contracts. Investigators are focusing on the close ties between politicians and business representatives, as well as attempts to conceal the details of their negotiations. There are also concerns regarding the fact that many meetings took place in informal settings and that records of discussions were made on paper, which was immediately destroyed.
No formal charges have been filed so far, but the publication of photographs and new details of the investigation have stirred significant public reaction. More details are expected soon, which could shed light on the scale of potential violations.
