In a bombshell for the Spanish political landscape, Judge Leopoldo Puente has ordered the pre-trial detention without bail for Santos Cerdán, the former Organization Secretary of the PSOE. The accusations are severe: criminal organization, bribery, and influence peddling. This decision follows an intensive questioning of Cerdán as an accused in a far-reaching corruption scandal closely linked to the names José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García. It concerns alleged manipulations of public contracts and illegal commissions.
Keywords: Spain, News, Breaking, PSOE, Santos Cerdán, Corruption, Pre-trial detention, Ábalos, Koldo García, Justice
The Indictment and Cerdán’s Defense: A Courtroom Tug-of-War
The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office had requested Cerdán’s detention, a request joined by the Popular Prosecution, which additionally charged a tax offense. During the interrogation, which sources present described as “very tough,” Cerdán vehemently denied any involvement in the criminal organization and rejected the accusation of irregular party financing. He answered only questions from his lawyer.
Cerdán described himself as the victim of “political persecution” aimed at punishing him for his contribution to the formation of progressive governments. He even went so far as to suggest that Félix Bolaños could be the next victim of this alleged persecution. Cerdán also presented himself as the architect of the first government of Pedro Sánchez by highlighting his crucial role in negotiations with the PNV for the motion of no confidence that overthrew Mariano Rajoy’s government. In this context, he named businessman Joseba Antxón Alonso, also allegedly involved in the conspiracy, as a mediator in the dialogue with PNV and EH Bildu.
Cerdán’s Role in the Corruption Network: Incriminating Evidence
The pre-trial detention order is based on “conclusive evidence” presented in a report by the Central Operations Unit (UCO) of the Guardia Civil against Cerdán. This report suggests the existence of a criminal organization comprising Cerdán, Ábalos, and Koldo García, which allegedly manipulated public contracts, mainly in favor of Acciona, in exchange for bribes. According to the UCO, Cerdán is said to have collected a total of 620,000 Euros in bribes.
During a search, a document was also found that allegedly proves that Joseba Antxón Alonso sold Cerdán 45% of the shares in a company that, as part of a temporary business association (UTE) with Acciona, was awarded several million-dollar contracts. Cerdán denies selling these shares and claims it was a private, unpublished contract that arose at a time when he was considering a move into the business world but then remained in politics at his wife’s request.
Contradictory Statements and Serious Accusations
Particularly explosive is Cerdán’s claim never to have met Víctor de Aldama, despite the commissioner stating that he personally paid Cerdán a bribe of 15,000 Euros.
The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office classifies Cerdán as a “leader” of the criminal organization and claims he initiated the conspiracy in Navarra after meeting Koldo García. They accuse him of having “brought corruption into the Ministry of Transport” after the arrival of José Luis Ábalos, by connecting the former minister with Koldo García. The prosecution describes Cerdán’s statements as “meager and biased” and criticizes his insinuation of a political motivation for the case as “malicious and insulting.”
