Mercedes González, the Guardia Civil’s director general, and Manuel Llamas, its operational chief, appeared before the Audiencia Nacional as suspects in the ongoing investigation into the so-called “Leire Díez case”. The proceedings examine whether internal inquiries within the Guardia Civil were used to uncover possible information leaks and, potentially, pressure officials involved in sensitive cases linked to the PSOE and the government. The allegations under investigation include possible abuse of office and obstruction of justice.
Led by Judge Santiago Pedraz, the inquiry concerns alleged efforts to undermine corruption investigations affecting the PSOE and the Spanish Government, including cases involving people in Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s family circle. El Confidencial Digital reported that González and Llamas had already appeared before Pedraz in July. Investigators are examining whether internal inquiries targeting personnel in the Guardia Civil’s Operational Basic Unit (UCO) were used to pressure agents working on politically sensitive cases.
Investigators have also examined Díez’s contacts with González. The UCO reportedly confirmed that they met several times, including at González’s official office in November 2024. Díez allegedly described González in communications as a trusted contact she could approach directly. Investigators have not presented the contacts themselves as unlawful; they are examining their possible relevance to the broader alleged operation. The account also says investigators documented at least three encounters, while González acknowledged two during her Senate appearance on June 16. She described the first as a professional introduction shortly after taking office. The second, she said, was a discussion in which Díez unsuccessfully sought the reinstatement of commander Rubén Villalba, who is implicated in the Koldo case.
Prosecutors requested the questioning of González and Llamas after the UCO’s findings raised concerns about the possible use of internal investigations to influence or intimidate officials. The inquiry so extends beyond Díez’s contacts to the conduct of Guardia Civil leadership and the handling of internal probes. In October, Díez rejected the UCO’s account, calling its report false and saying it contained numerous assertions contradicted by a report prepared by the National Police. She also denied knowing Llamas.
On October 23, Pedraz ordered the PSOE to provide, within 15 days, records of its hiring of lawyers and consultants, including law firms, through the party’s basic and territorial bodies between 2021 and 2025. RTVE reported that the judge required the documents without delay and said the party could not make delivery conditional on actions initiated outside the proceedings. The request forms part of an inquiry into whether companies linked to two lawyers and former Andalusian vice-president Gaspar Zarrías were used to channel payments to Díez. Investigators are also examining an alleged plan directed by former PSOE leader Santos Cerdán and coordinated by Díez to destabilize judicial proceedings affecting the party and the government, including cases involving Sánchez’s family circle.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of political influence over Spain’s judicial and law-enforcement institutions. In recent months, several high-profile cases have prompted debate over judicial independence and the potential for political pressure. The government’s response to the court ruling involving David Sánchez, the Prime Minister’s brother, has also raised questions about the boundaries between political and judicial spheres, as detailed in coverage of the Badajoz court decision.
In Spain, the Audiencia Nacional handles complex cases of national significance, including proceedings involving organized networks and alleged corruption. The UCO is the Guardia Civil’s investigative unit responsible for major criminal inquiries. The current case examines alleged pressure on investigators and the possible financing and organizational structure of a wider operation. No final judgment has established criminal liability for González, Llamas, Díez or the other people under investigation. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
