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Group investigated for pressuring judges and prosecutors in PSOE cases

Judge Santiago Pedraz is investigating an alleged scheme that sought to discredit judicial investigations related to the ERE case and other matters.

Guardia Civil badge with documents and a judge's gavel in the background.
IA

Guardia Civil badge with documents and a judge's gavel in the background.

The National Court judge, Santiago Pedraz, is investigating an alleged scheme involving a group of individuals, including Leire Díez and Vicente Fernández, for allegedly attempting to discredit judicial investigations and pressure judges, prosecutors, and a Civil Guard lieutenant colonel.

The judicial investigation, which has ramifications in Andalusia, focuses on the alleged participation of Leire Díez, a socialist militant, and Vicente Fernández, former president of Sepi, in an operation to influence judicial proceedings. Civil Guard Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Balas, who investigated the ERE case and other sensitive matters, is a key figure in this alleged plot.
Antonio Balas, head of the Economic Crime Unit of the UCO, has led investigations affecting the PSOE, including the Aznalcóllar mines case and that of former Attorney General Javier Ortiz. He recently interrogated Civil Guard generals under Judge Pedraz's order to clarify potential internal leaks.
Pedraz's investigation began after a meeting at the PSOE headquarters in Ferraz on April 26, 2024, where Leire Díez claimed to have audio recordings proving a campaign against Pedro Sánchez. According to the judge, Santos Cerdán, then Organization Secretary, allegedly made the party's structure available to this group to discredit investigations.
Vicente Fernández, who was acquitted in the Aznalcóllar case after being removed from Sepi, maintained contact with Antxon Alonso, owner of Servinabar, and Leire Díez, forming a WhatsApp group. Another judge, Arturo Zamarriego, was already investigating their actions to obstruct judicial inquiries.
Former Andalusian minister Gaspar Zarrías is also under investigation for allegedly financing Leire Díez's activities through his company, Zaño Sociedad Consultora, at Cerdán's suggestion. Zarrías maintains he hired her for information on the ERE case but dismissed her when she proved unproductive.
Judge Pedraz believes Leire Díez was paid by Ferraz through lawyer Ismael Oliver, using invoices managed by PSOE manager Ana María Fuentes, totaling 27,225 euros. Prior to this, Díez asked in the Hirurok group if she would be paid through "Andalukadi".
The investigation also seeks to determine how many times National Police investigator Rafael Salvador Moreno, who led the initial ERE case instruction in Seville before being removed by Judge Alaya and replaced by Antonio Balas, has visited the Ferraz headquarters.
The judge summons, though does not charge, Jaén deputy Juan Francisco Serrano, who attended the Ferraz meeting on April 26, 2024, along with Antonio Hernando and then PSOE press officer Ion Antolín. Serrano claims his presence was due to his involvement in the Villarejo investigation commission.
Judge Pedraz has recorded up to 22 meetings between Santos Cerdán and Leire Díez, reinforcing the accusation that the party was placed at the service of the Hirurok members. Documentation obtained by the UCO during recent searches is now with the magistrate, anticipating further developments.

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