Spanish Police Search Sánchez Party Offices in Corruption Probe

Spanish police searched the Madrid headquarters of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Socialist party on Thursday, May 23, in an investigation into alleged corruption tied to public contracts awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The search was carried out by the Guardia Civil and was linked to a broader probe into alleged influence peddling and bribery connected to government procurement of medical supplies, including face masks.

Authorities are examining how contracts were awarded by various public administrations during the pandemic and whether any illicit activity occurred in the process.

The case has added political pressure on Sánchez as investigators widen their focus to people with past links to senior officials from his party.

Investigation centers on former minister’s aide

The investigation focuses on Koldo García, a former aide to ex-transport minister José Luis Ábalos, who was arrested in February, according to the article.

Officials are reviewing procurement contracts for medical supplies awarded during the pandemic. The inquiry is examining allegations of influence peddling and bribery related to those deals.

Party says it is cooperating with the inquiry

The Socialist party has said it is fully cooperating with the judicial process and has emphasized its commitment to transparency.

The article said the latest search follows earlier arrests and searches this year involving figures connected to the party. Investigators are seeking to determine the extent of any wrongdoing and whether political figures played a role in any improper conduct tied to pandemic procurement.

Authorities have not announced conclusions from the search, and the inquiry is continuing.