The Guardia Civil's UCO has reported to the National Court that it cannot identify the origin of funds allegedly used by PSOE for covert operations. Investigators now request deeper access to party bank accounts.
The Guardia Civil's Unidad Central Operativa (UCO) has informed the National Court that it cannot determine where funds allegedly used by PSOE for secret operations originated. In a report sent to Judge Santiago Pedraz at the Central Court of Instruction No. 5, investigators highlight that their review of the party's bank accounts has failed to reveal the source or final destination of key transactions. The UCO is now requesting judicial authorization to conduct a more comprehensive audit of all PSOE financial products, warning that current access is limited to just six accounts despite the party holding many more.
According to the UCO, the investigation centers on a series of payments totaling €43,225, which were routed through intermediaries before reaching Leire Díez Castro, described as a key operative. The funds reportedly passed through a consultancy linked to former Andalusian vice president Gaspar Zarrías and the law office of Ismael Oliver. Agents suspect that false invoices were used to disguise the movement of money, which was then used by a clandestine group led by Santos Cerdán to gather compromising information on judges, prosecutors, police, civil guards, and journalists. However, the UCO notes that neither the origin nor the final use of these funds can be established from the records provided by PSOE.
The report points out that the transactions in question do not appear in the bank statements submitted by the party. Investigators are unable to confirm whether the invoices were actually paid from the disclosed accounts or if the money was transferred between accounts held by the same individuals or entities. The UCO warns that without broader access, it is impossible to map the full flow of funds or identify other potentially relevant operations.
One example cited involves a payment of €18,125 to journalist Patricia López. The UCO found that this sum was first sent by PSOE to Barcelona-based Iki Group Communications, a regular contractor for the party, and then transferred in full to the media outlet Crónica Libre, managed by López in 2024. A staff member from the publication has confirmed this transaction in court. Yet, this payment is also missing from the Ferraz accounts reviewed by investigators.
The ongoing probe into PSOE's financial practices comes amid heightened scrutiny of the party's internal operations. The UCO's request for expanded access aims to prevent premature limitations that could obscure the true path of the funds. This development follows recent high-profile cases involving party-linked figures, such as the sentencing of Koldo García, whose legal team faced intense pressure during the proceedings. For more on the broader context of judicial investigations tied to PSOE, see the coverage of courtroom tensions during García's sentencing at this related report.
Spain's political landscape has seen several major parties face financial scrutiny in recent years, with judicial authorities increasingly focused on transparency and accountability. The National Court's handling of the current case reflects a broader trend toward rigorous examination of party finances, especially where allegations of covert operations or misuse of funds arise. The outcome of the UCO's request could set a precedent for future investigations into political party finances in Spain, potentially impacting how parties manage and disclose their financial activities.
