Spain Detains Former Top Socialist Official in Major Corruption Probe

Spain's Supreme Court has detained Santos Cerdán, a former senior official of the ruling Socialist Party, amid a major corruption investigation that implicates former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and aide Koldo García. Cerdán is accused of accepting kickbacks on public contracts, particularly related to Covid-era health equipment purchases, leading to allegations of money laundering, bribery, and criminal association. Despite denying the charges and claiming he is a victim of a political conspiracy, Cerdán was remanded in custody without bail due to fears he might flee or destroy evidence. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has distanced his government from the scandal, confirming Cerdán's removal from his party role and denying prior knowledge of the alleged bribery, while apologizing to voters and rejecting demands for a snap election. The scandal has triggered calls for Sanchez's resignation from the opposition and threatens the stability of his minority government, as ongoing investigations may result in further arrests. Evidence, including audio recordings, reportedly links illegal payments to rigged public tenders, intensifying the political crisis for Sanchez's administration.