MADRID, May 29 (Reuters) – Spain’s governing Socialist Workers’ Party confronts multiple legal investigations involving corruption allegations, influence-peddling schemes, and other criminal charges that have ensnared members of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s close associates.
While Sanchez himself has not faced charges in any investigation, more than a dozen individuals are under scrutiny or facing trial, including his spouse and sibling, senior party leadership, and a former Socialist prime minister with significant influence.
The following details outline each investigation:
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SCANDAL
• Prosecutors in September 2023 brought charges against seven public officials, including Koldo Garcia, who advised former Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos, with Abalos subsequently facing charges as well.
• Authorities alleged the defendants collected illegal payments from government contracts for purchasing medical masks and equipment in bulk during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Abalos, who maintains his innocence, was removed from the PSOE in 2024, having previously held the organization secretary position from 2017 to 2021.
• The Supreme Court conducted proceedings in April 2026, with a verdict still forthcoming.
• Legal officials are pursuing a 24-year imprisonment term for Abalos, who gained freedom prior to trial following months of incarceration. Both Abalos and Garcia maintained their innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
PRIME MINISTER’S SPOUSE
• A Madrid judge in April 2024 initiated an inquiry into whether Sanchez’s wife, Begoña Gomez, leveraged her status to obtain sponsors for a university master’s program under her direction, potentially circumventing required public bidding procedures.
• Sanchez contends the investigation stems from political motivations orchestrated by far-right adversaries.
• Far-right party Vox and additional organizations support the accusations and pursue imprisonment for Gomez.
• A preliminary hearing is set for June 9, after which the judge will determine whether to proceed with trial or dismiss the matter as requested by prosecutors. Gomez maintains her innocence.
PRIME MINISTER’S SIBLING
• In May 2024, a judge launched an inquiry into the premier’s brother, David Sanchez, for allegedly obtaining his government position in the Socialist-controlled provincial council of Badajoz through family connections. The accusations originated from far-right organization Manos Limpias.
• Legal proceedings began on May 28 and continue through at least June 4. Prosecutors seek dismissal due to insufficient evidence. His legal representative requested case closure, characterizing the allegations as completely false.
ILLEGAL PAYMENTS
• Santos Cerdan, a legislator who replaced Abalos as the party’s third-ranking official, was summoned in June 2025 to provide voluntary testimony regarding claims that senior PSOE members received illegal payments for public construction contracts. This investigation stemmed from the mask controversy. He resigned his legislative position and departed the Socialist Party.
• He confronts accusations of bribery, criminal organization membership, and influence-peddling.
• Cerdan was held in custody before trial but received conditional release in November 2025 and currently awaits proceedings. He denies any misconduct.
UNDISCLOSED FUNDS
• As an extension of the Cerdan investigation, the High Court examines whether the PSOE operated an unreported internal fund for making secret cash distributions to high-ranking party members, including Abalos.
• The PSOE has dismissed claims of illegal funding, though its internal review identified certain “surprising” expenditures attributed to the party by Abalos’ office.
• The inquiry continues with confidential details.
ZAPATERO/PLUS ULTRA
• In May 2026, a High Court judge initiated an investigation into former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for allegedly orchestrating an influence-peddling and money-laundering operation.
• The operation’s clients included Spanish airline Plus Ultra, which secured a pandemic recovery loan worth €53 million, according to the judge.
• Zapatero, a significant Sanchez supporter, rejected all accusations. Sanchez expressed confidence in his predecessor’s innocence.
• Zapatero received a summons to provide testimony on June 17 and 18.
JUDICIAL INTERFERENCE
• In May 2026, a Madrid judge revealed a separate investigation involving Cerdan, additional PSOE officials, legal professionals, a business owner, and a law enforcement officer.
• The judge stated the accused attempted to manipulate government administrative decisions and obstruct judicial processes or police investigations that threatened PSOE or government interests.
• The judge has demanded various documents and digital records from party headquarters. Cerdan has remained silent regarding these accusations.
