Spanish Politician Santos Cerdán Under Investigation Amidst Audio Leaks
This Thursday, a report from the Central Operative Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard was made public, raising serious allegations against Santos Cerdán, the former secretary of organization of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) and a socialist deputy until recently. The report contains eight audio clips that implicate Cerdán in a potential criminal organization and bribery scheme. These recordings, captured by Koldo García, span conversations held between 2019 and 2023 and were found on a device seized from García, a former advisor.
One of the recordings, which reportedly lasts around 12 hours, reveals discussions about public works tenders at the Ministry of Transport. In one notable conversation dated April 9, 2019, Koldo García and former Minister José Luis Ábalos discuss the specifics of contracts awarded to various companies. The dialogue indicates discrepancies in payment, revealing that certain amounts had been allocated, while others were still pending. They mention companies such as SACYR and ACCIONA during the conversation, delving into informal agreements and expectations regarding payment releases.
On April 22, 2019, another recording depicts a conversation where Cerdán discusses financial allocations with Koldo. The two discuss arrangements for payments, hinting at possible kickbacks, with murmurs suggesting coded language concerning financial transactions that were involved. This raises concerns about the integrity surrounding the awarding of public works contracts, as they reflected on the amounts distributed and the potential for improperly retained funds.
The UCO's report reflects a similar narrative in a nearly 12-hour audio recorded on November 18, 2020. Koldo alludes to unfulfilled payments owed to him and Ábalos, citing a substantial amount of 350,000 euros related to specific projects, while hinting at Cerdán's involvement in obstructing these payments. The dialogue showcases a troubling level of maneuvering within the ranks, illustrating Koldo's suspicions about Cerdán's transparency in dealings associated with the ministry.
There is a clear shift in tone as they navigate through conversations about the potential fallout of their discussions. In one instance from January 21, 2021, Cerdán expresses awareness of noise surrounding allegations against him, suggesting that he is under scrutiny for possibly requesting funds from small companies in exchange for contract awards, demonstrating a direct link to accusations of corruption.
Cerdán’s attempts to handle the narrative are evident in various exchanges throughout the recordings, revealing a delicate balance between discretion and accountability. In one exchange, he requests Koldo to remain tight-lipped about their discussions, signaling an awareness of the sensitive nature of their conversations.
As time progresses, conversations reflect a growing tension surrounding financial expectations from February 2022 onward. Koldo seeks financial assistance for both himself and Ábalos, insinuating that the former minister is financially distressed. His request of 150 or 200 thousand euros hints at a reliance on Cerdán to resolve monetary issues within their network.
Fast forward to November 23, 2023, Koldo confronts Ábalos over financial discrepancies, accusing Cerdán of withholding significant amounts of money. Koldo claims that Cerdán owes him and Ábalos considerable sums, emphasizing a sense of betrayal and frustration at Cerdán's actions over the years.
The implications of these audio recordings are profound, calling into question the ethical standing of Cerdán and others within the PSOE. As investigations unfold, the political landscape seems poised for a shift, revealing deep-rooted issues within party structures and governance. As public scrutiny intensifies, observers await further developments in this unfolding saga, which has the potential to reshape trust within Spanish politics.
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