Judge Santiago Pedraz Expands Investigation into Juan Manuel Serrano Amid Leire Díez Case

Judge Santiago Pedraz of Spain’s Audiencia Nacional has officially placed Juan Manuel Serrano, who was chief of staff to Pedro Sánchez at the PSOE, under investigation as part of the ongoing probe into the Leire Díez case. The decision follows a formal request from the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, which acted upon a report submitted by the Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit (UCO).

Judicial Scrutiny of Former Correos Leadership

The investigation into Serrano, who served as the president of Correos from 2018 to 2023, centers on allegations of his involvement in a complex network of irregular activities. According to the findings presented by the UCO, investigators identified what they termed a “relevant and preeminent participation” by Serrano in the alleged scheme. The judicial move marks an escalation in the scope of the Audiencia Nacional’s inquiry, as it now reaches into the circle around Pedro Sánchez.

The UCO report alleges that Serrano and others worked in close coordination to achieve the objectives of the organization. Specifically, the document points to two primary areas of potential criminal activity: the alleged irregular awarding of contracts within the sphere of the SEPI and attempts to destabilize judicial proceedings linked to the socialists.

Analysis of Mobile Data Authorized

The judicial process remains ongoing, with the Audiencia Nacional expected to continue reviewing the evidence provided by the UCO before determining the next procedural steps.

Context of the Investigation

The Leire Díez case has drawn significant attention due to its focus on the intersection of public sector management and political party activities. By targeting the former chief of staff to Pedro Sánchez at the PSOE, the court is addressing allegations that reach beyond individual administrative errors and into the systemic operations of entities associated with the SEPI.

As the case proceeds, the focus remains on the specific contracts identified by investigators and the timeline of events that led to the current legal challenges.

Further updates regarding the status of the investigation are expected through official filings from the Audiencia Nacional.