Spain's Supreme Court expands corruption investigation to include Sánchez ally
Spain's Supreme Court has widened a corruption investigation to include Juan Manuel Serrano, former head of postal service and a close ally of President Pedro Sánchez.
Spain's Supreme Court expands corruption investigation to include Sánchez ally
Spain's Supreme Court has widened a corruption investigation to include Juan Manuel Serrano, who was one of the principal collaborators of government president Pedro Sánchez in the socialist party (PSOE) between 2014 and 2018. Serrano held the position of president of the state postal company from July 2018 until 2023.
The judicial decision, set out in a ruling, represents a further setback for Sánchez, who over the past two years has seen numerous members of his party, cabinet, and inner circle become embroiled in various corruption scandals. Last month, his former right-hand man was sentenced to 24 years in prison.
To date, none of the cases has directly implicated Sánchez, who came to power eight years ago promising to clean up politics following an era of corruption scandals in the previous government.
The investigation focuses on an alleged scheme to destabilise judicial and police investigations affecting the PSOE. According to an order by investigating judge Santiago Pedraz, Serrano and another suspect, Leire Díez, may have used public bodies for their own benefit or that of third parties. Díez, the alleged ringleader of the group, held a senior position in the postal service during Serrano's tenure.
The emergence of text messages exchanged between the two has led to the expansion of the case. The magistrate indicates that detailed analysis of the conversations will help determine whether Serrano merely consented to unlawful conduct or whether his responsibility extends to instigating and directing it.
Also under investigation is Vicente Fernández, former head of the state company SEPI, which oversees postal service personnel, over the appointment of Díez to the position.
Both Díez and Fernández have denied any irregularities. Serrano did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. A spokesperson for the PSOE stated that the investigation must be completed and that the party will fully cooperate with it.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)