A new report from the Guardia Civil's Central Operative Unit strengthens evidence against Santos Cerdán for rigging public works contracts, prompting Spain's Supreme Court to order searches at Acciona's offices in Madrid and Bilbao. The operation targets deals with Cerdán's firm, Servinabar, and projects like the V Centenario bridge in Seville. Acciona is cooperating with the probe as its stock plunges.
The latest UCO report, submitted this week to Supreme Court Judge Leopoldo Puente, bolsters evidence implicating Santos Cerdán, former PSOE Organization Secretary, in rigging public works contracts during José Luis Ábalos's tenure as Transport Minister. Cerdán, held in preventive detention for criminal organization, bribery, and influence peddling, allegedly funneled illegal commissions through his firm Servinabar 2000 SL, which formed joint ventures (UTE) with Acciona.
Investigators examined documents seized from Servinabar in June, uncovering commission percentages, family ties, and the role of cooperatives like Noran and Erkolan, allegedly used to hide bribes. Antxon Alonso, Cerdán's partner, transferred 1,350 shares in the company to the ex-MP. Erkolan received 258,000 euros from Servinabar, part of which went to Cerdán's sister Belén, while Noran got around 700,000 euros. Both cooperatives were searched yesterday in San Sebastián.
Judge Puente ordered raids on Acciona's Madrid and Bilbao offices, targeting contracts for projects like the V Centenario bridge in Seville (awarded for 71.4 million euros, later raised to 103 million), the A-68 highway in Logroño, and a railway in Sant Feliu de Llobregat (Barcelona). In Madrid, the UCO focused on the construction area and seized the computer and devices of Justo Vicente Pelegrini, the former director dismissed on June 16 for negligence in dealings with Servinabar. His private home was also searched. Tecade and Freyssinet in Seville, Acciona partners on the bridge, were raided.
Acciona, which paid millions to Servinabar, states it has fully cooperated and denies any wrongdoing. The judge notes Cerdán handled undue payments from favored firms and distributed them to Koldo García and Ábalos. The operation spanned Madrid, Seville, Bilbao, and San Sebastián. The case remains under secrecy, likely to be lifted next week. Acciona's stock dropped 7.62%, peaking at 11% intraday, despite a 63% yearly gain.