In recent weeks, Spanish authorities have uncovered a complex web of alleged corruption involving several high-profile individuals and organizations linked to the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE). The investigation centers on four specific business dealings connected to three individuals—Leire Díez, known as the "plumber" of the PSOE; former president of the State Public Enterprises Institute (SEPI) Vicente Fernández; and Antxon Alonso, a close associate of former PSOE secretary of Organization Santos Cerdán. These individuals allegedly used their influence to secure favorable decisions from various administrations, leaving behind digital evidence in a private chat group called "Hirurok," which translates to "we three."
The first case involves Mercasa, a state-owned company responsible for managing wholesale markets. According to the investigation, the trio identified an opportunity when Mercasa was considering relocating its headquarters. Their plan had two components: first, to obtain a public contract to inflate the costs of repairing the main office, thereby justifying the relocation; second, to act as intermediaries in acquiring or renting the new property. Although the relocation did not proceed, they managed to receive €18,119.75 for the false report. They also planned a 20% commission on the real estate transaction, though this part remains unconfirmed.
Another area of focus is Enusa, a state-owned enterprise responsible for uranium management. Leire Díez, who previously served as Enusa's communications director, was aware of the company’s operations. The trio acted as intermediaries to facilitate the sale of Enusa's assets to Acciona, including a waste treatment plant in Castellón and an incinerator in Melilla. They proposed a strategy where Enusa would retain ownership of its shares rather than selling them outright, which would allow Acciona to avoid competition. This suggestion was validated by a report commissioned from a university professor, disguised as professional consulting services. The payment amounted to €17,545.
In another instance, the trio allegedly influenced a contract for dismantling installations in Avilés. They advised Erri Berri, a company involved in the project, on how to nullify a previous winning bid so that the company could owe them money. After restarting the bidding process, they manipulated internal documents in draft format before they were officially released. Erri Berri submitted an unusually low bid, which the investigators ensured was accepted. Fernández boasted that the head of the appeals tribunal was aligned with them, stating, "Conchita has complied." The benefit of €400,000 was hidden under the guise of "civil works related to the maintenance of Pamplona."
Lastly, the trio allegedly benefited the Forestalia Group in multiple ways. One method involved facilitating public funding for the development of projects. During the investigation, messages indicated that assistance was requested and provided. The exact nature of these benefits remains unclear, but the involvement of the trio suggests a pattern of leveraging public resources for private gain.
The investigation into these activities has led to significant political repercussions within the PSOE. José Luis Ábalos, a former minister of Transport and a prominent figure in the party, faced severe consequences after being sentenced to over 24 years in prison for organized crime, bribery, misappropriation, and abuse of influence. His downfall marked a turning point for the PSOE, which has since distanced itself from him, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and integrity. However, some members of the government and the PSOE have expressed concerns about the disparity in sentencing between Ábalos and other implicated figures, such as Víctor de Aldama, who received a lighter penalty despite his role in the scandal.
Meanwhile, the investigation has expanded beyond the national level, reaching local governments. In Soria, a city governed by the PSOE, six individuals were arrested following raids on the city hall and two private residences. Among the detained was Yolanda Santos, the deputy mayor of Commerce. The charges include traffic of influence, administrative misconduct, prohibited negotiations, document forgery, money laundering, and organized crime. The operation, conducted by the Guardia Civil, revealed potential links between local officials and businesses, raising questions about the extent of corruption within the PSOE's local governance structures.
These developments have sparked broader discussions about the separation of political responsibility and criminal liability in Spain. Critics argue that the judicial system has become increasingly politicized, making it difficult for leaders to resign without facing immediate backlash or being seen as complicit. As the investigations continue, the implications for the PSOE and the broader political landscape remain uncertain, with ongoing scrutiny likely to shape future elections and policy directions.
11 reports
El MundoIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 8513 days agoThe Spanish National Prosecution Service has filed charges against Leire Díez, a former communications officer for the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party), ex-president of the State Public Enterprises Institute (SEPI) Vicente Fernández, and businessman Antxon Alonso, who is linked to former PSOE secretary Santos Cerdán. The investigation centers around alleged corruption involving multiple public companies. In the case of Mercasa, a public market operator, the trio allegedly manipulated a report to justify an unnecessary relocation of their headquarters, inflating maintenance costs by €700,000. They also acted as intermediaries in the new property acquisition, earning €18,119.75 for the false report. Regarding Enusa, a state-owned uranium management company, they facilitated a deal between Enusa and private firm Acciona, suggesting Enusa retain ownership of its assets while allowing Acciona to benefit through usufruct rights. This was disguised as consultancy fees, with payments totaling €17,545. The investigation into these activities is ongoing.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings involving high-profile individuals within the PSOE and their alleged involvement in corrupt practices with public enterprises. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content remains fact
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Accurate reporting on government response to corruption case, citing specific individuals and legal actions. Maintains neutrality despite addressing sensitive political issues.
elDiario.esIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8513 days agoA commander serving as secretary to the Deputy Operations Director (DAO) of the Spanish National Police has testified before the National Court that two officers under Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Balas denied feeling pressured by internal investigations into leaks. The testimony came during an inquiry into alleged leaks involving journalists, with Balas leading the investigation into the case of Leire Díez. According to the commander, the generals changed their statements when questioned later by Balas, who previously served under them. One theory suggests that General Director of the National Police, Mercedes González, initiated three internal investigations influenced by Leire Díez, with whom she reportedly met twice. González explained these investigations were triggered by media revelations about the president’s emails, WhatsApp messages between government members, and a newspaper cover implying the DAO was a pawn of another official. Only one of the three investigations led to formal testimony from former UCO head Rafael Yuste and Police Judicial chief Alfonso López Malo, both of whom initially denied feeling pressured but later claimed they did when questioned by Balas. Both Y
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the legal proceedings and conflicting testimonies without overtly favoring any side. It includes multiple perspectives and does not use loaded language or one-sided sourcing.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): The article accurately reports the investigation into the Guardia Civil leadership and mentions the three meetings between Leire Díez and Mercedes González. It presents information from the UCO reports without clear bias.
El MundoIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 85Objective 6514 days ago The PSOE offer that Ábalos and Koldo relied on to the end to get out of prisonThe article discusses how José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García believed the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and the government would assist them during their legal troubles after the police raid on Ábalos's home in Rivas Vaciamadrid. Santos Cerdán, an aide to the Prime Minister, visited Ábalos shortly after the arrest of his advisor, Víctor de Aldama, and offered him a contract with a firm linked to the PSOE, paid articles for the Fundación Avanza, and three TV appearances. Cerdán also promised to cover the costs of Ábalos's lawyers if he faced charges. In exchange, Ábalos was asked to resign as a deputy to protect the party's image and to keep silent about top party figures, including himself. Ábalos recorded the conversation with his mobile phone through his partner, who witnessed the meeting but has been unable to recover the recording since then. Ábalos responded ambiguously, refusing to give up his position as a deputy but not opposing the government's support.
Bias read (Conservative): The article presents information suggesting collusion between high-ranking PSOE officials and individuals under investigation, which could imply corruption within the ruling party. The framing emphasizes potential wrongdoing by the PSOE leadership and highlights efforts to shield members from legal责
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 65): The article provides detailed accounts of Ábalos and Koldo’s interactions with Cerdán and outlines the proposed deal, but uses emotionally charged language like 'calvario judicial' and 'shock', which may bias the narrative. Cross-source consensus suggests similar details, so factual content is large
infoLibreIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7013 days agoThe Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) has defended its decision to distance itself from former minister José Luis Ábalos after his conviction by the Supreme Court for more than 24 years in prison. The party claims it acted correctly from the beginning by removing Ábalos once initial evidence emerged, despite some internal criticism. While condemning Ábalos' actions as violating core socialist principles, the PSOE emphasizes its commitment to transparency and integrity. However, some members of the government and the party have privately criticized the court's ruling as disproportionate, noting that Ábalos and another individual received heavy prison sentences while businessman Víctor de Aldama was spared jail time despite being ordered to repay over €3.7 million in commissions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the PSOE's defense of their actions against Ábalos and internal criticisms within the party regarding the court's sentencing. It does not favor one side over the other but rather reports on differing perspectives within the same political entity. There is no clear slant in措
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 70): The article outlines the legal consequences faced by Ábalos but frames them within the context of PSOE’s internal politics, showing some bias toward defending the party’s actions.
infoLibreIndependentProgressiveFactual 70Objective 6514 days ago What's the use of resigning?The article discusses two major events: Keir Starmer's resignation as leader of the UK Labour Party and Spain's Supreme Court unanimously sentencing José Luis Ábalos to 24 years in prison for organized crime, bribery, misappropriation, and influence peddling. The author questions the relevance of resignations in Spanish politics, noting that despite Ábalos' conviction, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is unlikely to resign. The article criticizes the Spanish People's Party for using Ábalos' case politically rather than addressing the broader issue of blurred lines between political and legal accountability. It argues that certain sectors of the judiciary engage in political activity under the guise of justice, undermining institutional integrity.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the Spanish Supreme Court's decision as a significant and morally serious event, criticizing the ruling party for failing to act on the conviction. It highlights systemic issues with the judiciary engaging in political behavior and suggests that the current system allows for abuse
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 65): The article mentions an enterprise linked to González Amador and potential financial misconduct, but it doesn't connect clearly to the main case. It provides some relevant details but lacks full alignment with the primary source.
elDiario.esIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 6513 days ago The Civil Guard detained six people in an investigation for whitewashing and criminal organization in the City Hall of SoriaThe Guardia Civil has conducted searches at the City Council of Soria, which is governed by the PSOE, resulting in six arrests so far, with more possible in the coming hours. Four individuals were arrested in Soria and two in Madrid, including Yolanda Santos, the councilor for Commerce. The operation, led by the Soria Guardia Civil Command through its Judicial Police Unit, is investigating alleged crimes such as influence peddling, administrative misconduct, prohibited negotiations by public officials, document forgery, money laundering, and organized crime. Three authorized entries and searches have been carried out, including one at the city hall and two at private residences linked to the investigation. The inquiry focuses on the Commerce Area and remains under judicial secrecy. According to elDiario.es, Santos previously owned 33% of a sports activities company, Biosfera Soria SL, but sold her shares after becoming a councilor in 2019, as holding more than 10% ownership in a company while serving as a councilor is prohibited. The city council contracted services from this company both before and after Santos became a councilor.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about an ongoing police investigation involving a local politician and the municipal administration. It does not exhibit clear bias in language, sourcing, or framing, providing details from official sources and maintaining neutrality regarding the allegations
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 65): The article discusses a different case involving Soria, not the 'Leire Díez' case. It lacks relevance to the main event and thus scores lower on factuality. The tone remains relatively neutral despite the unrelated content.
infoLibreIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 4513 days ago Six arrested in open operation against corruption in Soria City HallThe Guardia Civil has arrested six individuals as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption at the City Council of Soria, which is governed by the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party). The operation, conducted under the direction of the Soria District Court and the Provincial Court Prosecutor's Office, involved searches at the municipal building and two private residences linked to the inquiry. Among those detained is Yolanda Santos, the councilor for Commerce. The investigation focuses on potential crimes such as abuse of influence, administrative misconduct, prohibited activities by public officials, document forgery, money laundering, and organized crime. The current mayor of Soria, Javier Antón, stated that the city council is fully cooperating with judicial authorities and providing all requested documentation. However, due to the secrecy of the proceedings, the council lacks detailed information about the scope of the investigation and urges caution until official communications are made.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about arrests and investigations involving local government officials without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from both the Guardia Civil and the affected municipality, maintaining neutrality in tone and framing.
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 45): Low factual accuracy regarding the primary source, focusing on unrelated cases involving Begoña Gómez. The article uses emotionally charged language and makes broad accusations without specific evidence.
20minutosIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 4513 days agoSix individuals were arrested following searches at the City Council of Soria as part of an investigation into corruption and organized crime. The operation was conducted by law enforcement authorities, who are examining potential links between municipal officials and criminal activities. The investigation is ongoing, with further developments expected as authorities continue their probe.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an arrest and investigation involving local government officials, which is inherently politically charged. However, the report does not exhibit clear bias through word choice, sourcing, or emphasis. It presents the event factually without apparent ideological framing.
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 45): The article reports on arrests in Soria unrelated to the main case, which may confuse readers. It lacks connection to the primary source document about the Guardia Civil investigation. The tone is sensationalistic.
ABC (España)IndependentCenterFactual 50Objective 4513 days agoOn June 24, 2026, Spanish police conducted raids at the City Council of Soria and two private residences as part of an investigation into alleged corruption involving former mayor Carlos Martínez Mínguez, who was also the secretary general of the PSOE in Castilla y León and a spokesperson for the Socialist group in the regional parliament. The operation, carried out by the Guardia Civil under judicial authority, resulted in six arrests. The case had been under secrecy until April 2026, and the allegations reportedly relate to actions during Martínez’s tenure as mayor, which began in 2007. The PSOE has governed Soria uninterrupted since then.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a police operation and legal proceedings involving a high-ranking PSOE official without overtly favoring any political side. It includes details about the authorities involved and the nature of the investigation but does not include commentary or biased
Why these scores (Factual 50 · Objective 45): This article discusses a different case in Soria unrelated to the main event. It introduces new details not covered in the primary source and appears to be a separate story, thus lacking factual alignment with the primary source.
El MundoIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 30Objective 4013 days ago An operation against corruption in Soria with six detainees splashes Carlos MartínezThe Guardia Civil conducted an anti-corruption operation in Soria, resulting in six arrests linked to alleged crimes including abuse of power, administrative misconduct, illegal negotiations by public officials, document forgery, money laundering, and organized crime. The investigation, led by the Soria Command with support from the UCO unit, targeted individuals connected to former mayor Carlos Martínez Mínguez, now the secretary-general of the regional PSOE branch. Among those detained was Yolanda Santos, the deputy mayor of Tourism and Environment since 2019, who had close ties to Martínez. The police searched the city council building for over 11 hours, accessing computers under her supervision. The operation focused on contracts involving the company Biosfera Soria SL, which she previously managed, and other arrested individuals were also tied to the firm. The investigation reportedly began after a complaint from a businessman in the sector.
Bias read (Conservative): The article uses strong language to describe the charges against high-profile political figures, including the ex-mayor and current PSOE leader, and emphasizes their involvement in corruption. It highlights the connection between the accused and the ruling party, suggesting a critical stance toward左
Why these scores (Factual 30 · Objective 40): This article focuses on a different topic regarding Catalonia and the budget, making it largely irrelevant to the 'Leire Díez' case. It has minimal factual connection and exhibits some subjectivity in its tone.
El PaísIndependent🔒CenterFactual 10Objective 513 days agoThe Spanish National Police (Guardia Civil) have arrested six individuals, including a local councilor from the Socialist Party, in an investigation into influence peddling and money laundering. The operation involved searching the municipal building of Soria, which is governed by the Socialist Party, as well as two private residences. The investigation focuses on the commerce department of the city council. The arrests were made as part of a judicial inquiry into alleged corruption within the local administration.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an arrest and investigation involving a local politician and municipal authorities without apparent ideological framing. It provides factual information about the actions taken by law enforcement and mentions the political affiliation of the affected party but does not show a傾
Why these scores (Factual 10 · Objective 5): The article title mentions a conversation between Leire Díez and a reporter but provides no content or context. It is completely unrelated to the primary source's focus on requesting charges against the Guardia Civil director and DAO.
Spain
