UCO conducts searches at Tubos Reunidos and requests data from SEPI in Judge Pedraz case. UCO officers have carried out searches at Tubos Reunidos offices and requested documents from SEPI. The investigation is linked to suspicions of attempts to influence probes involving the government. The case involves significant sums and high-ranking officials.
On Thursday, officers from the Central Operative Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard conducted searches at the headquarters of the industrial group Tubos Reunidos in Bilbao and at the company's plant in Amurrio (Álava). At the same time, UCO representatives arrived at the offices of the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI) in Madrid to formally request documents. All actions are being carried out on the orders of National Court judge Santiago Pedraz, who is leading a confidential investigation into one aspect of a high-profile case.
According to sources in judicial circles, the investigative activities are related to suspicions of a scheme aimed at hindering judicial and police investigations concerning the PSOE and the government. The main figures are believed to be former organization secretary Santos Cerdán and ex-activist Leire Díez. The Tubos Reunidos case files mention the company repeatedly, including in connection with a €112.8 million loan the company received from SEPI.
Investigators believe that the Hirurok group, which according to the UCO included Leire Díez, former SEPI president Vicente Fernández, and businessman Antxon Alonso, may have contributed to securing this aid. For their facilitation, investigators allege that €114,950 was obtained through the firm Mediaciones Martínez. The UCO also notes that Leire Díez and Vicente Fernández allegedly suggested contacting Santos Cerdán and Antxon Alonso to speed up the process when the loan was delayed. There are suspicions that the Hirurok group could have interacted with representatives of the Partido Nacionalista Vasco, possibly influencing the final decision.
The case materials also mention a second operation, dated 2024–2025, related to an attempt to postpone the partial repayment of interest on Tubos Reunidos’ debt. According to investigators, Santos Cerdán could also have been involved in this scheme. An important detail was a meeting on 13 November 2024 between Cerdán, Leire Díez, and two top managers of Tubos Reunidos at the PSOE office on Ferraz Street in Madrid. In a blue notebook seized from Leire Díez, an entry reading "Reunión Tubos Reunidos" was found, confirming investigators’ interest in this meeting. Additionally, the UCO reports that Vicente Fernández invoiced Tubos Reunidos €40,000 for services related to this operation.
Investigators also noted that during the period when the new SEPI president had not yet been appointed, Vicente Fernández continued to effectively act as head of the organization: attending meetings, making decisions, and having access to internal information. After receiving the official inquiry, SEPI emphasized its full willingness to cooperate with the judiciary.
The context of the case highlights how closely the interests of major industrial companies, government agencies, and political figures in Spain are intertwined. Such investigations have repeatedly drawn public attention, as was the case, for example, with the prime minister’s visit to Rome amid the crisis surrounding the Zapatero case— details of this episode are available here.
For reference: Tubos Reunidos is one of the largest Spanish manufacturers of steel pipes, while SEPI manages the state's shares in the country's strategic companies. The National Audience is Spain's highest court for particularly complex cases, including corruption and economic crimes. The Leire Díez case has become one of the most talked-about investigations in recent years, as it implicates not only business circles but also the highest levels of power.
