Peinado points to Sánchez as cause of Gómez's alleged crimes
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has attributed to President Pedro Sánchez the fundamental responsibility for the alleged crimes of his wife, Begoña Gómez, according to a UCO report. Meanwhile, the Central Operative Unit has requested an investigation into the bank accounts of Javier Pardo de Vera and Víctor Herrero at the National Court. These developments are part of an ongoing probe into irregularities in public awards.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, overseeing the case investigating Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has directly pointed to the head of government as the 'fundamental cause' of the crimes attributed to her. According to a report from the Guardia Civil's Central Operative Unit (UCO), Peinado argues that Gómez's actions, probed for alleged influence peddling and corruption in business, stem from her husband's position of power. 'Sánchez is the fundamental cause of the crimes I attribute to Begoña Gómez,' the magistrate states in the judicial order, based on statements and documents gathered by investigators.
The probe focuses on irregular public awards during Sánchez's term, including contracts with companies linked to Gómez. The UCO has reviewed emails, meetings, and financial flows that, per the report, show how the president's influence benefited his wife. No contradictions appear between sources, but the case remains open, with Gómez summoned to testify multiple times since 2024.
In a parallel development, the UCO has asked the National Court to examine the bank accounts of two senior officials: Javier Pardo de Vera, president of Adif, and Víctor Herrero, director of the Chair of Social Transformation at Complutense University, linked to Gómez. The UCO report details suspicious transfers and possible ties to the investigated activities, requesting access to statements from 2019. 'The accounts of Pardo de Vera and Herrero must be investigated for signs of money laundering and irregular funding,' the document states.
These elements occur amid political tensions in Spain, where the opposition has called for Sánchez's resignation over the scandal. The government has denied any wrongdoing, labeling the inquiry as political 'lawfare.' Judicial sources confirm no formal charges against Sánchez to date, but the case could expand in coming months.