Former PSOE Member Leire Díez Summoned in Judicial Favors Investigation

In a significant development within Spanish politics, a Madrid judge has summoned former PSOE member Leire Díez to testify on November 11 regarding audio recordings where she allegedly offers judicial favors in exchange for compromising information against members of the Civil Guard's Central Operational Unit (UCO) and the Prosecutors Office. The judge, Arturo Zamarriego, of Investigating Court Number 9, is examining allegations of bribery and influence peddling stemming from a complaint filed by Hazte Oír. According to documents accessed by Europa Press, the judge has also called as witnesses on the same day lawyer Jacobo Teijelo, who currently represents former socialist leader Santos Cerdán, businessman Javier Pérez Dolset, and Civil Guard commander Rubén Villalba, who is under investigation in the Koldo case. The move signifies the court's acceptance to process the complaint against Díez for her alleged involvement in bribery and influence peddling, despite limitations on claims related to the discovery and revelation of secrets. The judge highlighted that a legal representative’s complaint is necessary for such cases to proceed. The investigation centers around claims that Díez, during her time with the PSOE, received a commission to suppress investigations by the UCO into suspected crimes committed by socialist leaders. Reports claim that she met businessman Alejandro Hamlyn in February 2025, who is accused of hydrocarbons fraud. In this meeting, along with Teijelo and Pérez Dolset, an agreement purportedly was proposed whereby the State Attorney’s Office and the Prosecutors Office would offer leniency to Hamlyn in exchange for information regarding a corruption case implicating UCO's lieutenant colonel Antonio Balas. Moreover, the judge noted that in March 2025, Díez allegedly approached Civil Guard commander Villalba to offer him judicial protection and a position in the General Directorate of the Civil Guard in exchange for sensitive information aimed at undermining the judicial scrutiny of the socialist party and dismantling the Civil Guard's efforts. As part of the judicial process, the judge has summoned the legal representative of Hazte Oír to detail their complaint, as well as journalists who reported the controversial audio recordings, seeking their testimony as well. This marks the second investigation launched by a Madrid court regarding alleged misconduct by Díez, following similar proceedings initiated by Investigating Court Number 2 based on a complaint from the Civil Guard Non-Commissioned Officers Unified Association ASESGC. Additionally, other complaints related to Díez's actions have been submitted by various associations such as the Unified Civil Guard Association (AUGC) and Iustitia Europa, which are pending resolution. Díez, who previously served as deputy mayor for the PSOE in Vega de Pas, Cantabria, and directed Institutional Relations for Correos, maintained in June that the recordings arose from a journalistic project aimed at a book discussing alleged state secrets, stating that she does not currently occupy a public role nor represent the PSOE. Her claims highlight the contentious interaction between political figures and the judiciary amidst rising scrutiny over political ethics in Spain. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2