Secret Investigation Opened into PSOE's Cash Payments by National Court Judge

National Court Judge Ismael Moreno has initiated a separate and confidential investigation concerning cash payments made by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) between 2017 and 2024. This decision comes in light of documentation supplied by the PSOE, which has been forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office for further examination. The judge has deemed the circumstances surrounding this investigation to be of a sensitive nature, thus declaring the proceedings secret to protect the identities of various individuals involved — including officials, workers, supporters, and volunteers — and to maintain the integrity of the investigation. In an effort to prevent the potential leak of sensitive internal information, the PSOE presented a USB drive containing the relevant documentation on Tuesday. The party expressed significant concern that if the details of the cash payments were publicly disclosed, they could be misused by rival political factions, notably the People's Party (PP) and Vox. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office is expected to provide their insights and recommendations concerning the documentation now in their possession, following Judge Moreno's transmission. This investigation focuses specifically on whether cash payments made by the PSOE were used illicitly, including potential money laundering activities connected to former minister José Luis Ábalos and his advisor Koldo García. These allegations arose from suspicions raised by Supreme Court magistrate Leopoldo Puente, who is responsible for examining Ábalos and former PSOE leader Santos Cerdán, among others. While questioning before the Supreme Court, both the former manager of the PSOE, Mariano Moreno, and an employee of the party have presented unclear responses regarding the nature and verification of these cash payments. The Supreme Court officials and the Prosecutors Office have pointed out the lack of sufficient explanation regarding how invoices from individuals linked to the PSOE were authenticated, leading to claims for cash compensation based on purported functions performed. After witness statements were made, questions regarding the source of funds and the legitimacy of the cash amounts declared persisted, raising further concerns of possible embezzlement or other irregular activities taking place within the party's financial dealings. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on both the National Court and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office as they navigate the complexities of alleged financial misconduct that could have significant implications for the PSOE and the broader political landscape in Spain. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2