The National Audience judge has granted provisional release to Vicente Fernández, Leire Díez, and Antxon Alonso, investigated for allegedly rigging public contracts in exchange for commissions. The UCO attributes to the trio the use of influence to secure aids and awards worth over 132 million euros between 2021 and 2023. The three are subject to precautionary measures while the case remains under secrecy.
Vicente Fernández, former president of the State Industrial Participations Company (SEPI) from 2018 to 2019, Leire Díez, considered the PSOE's plumber, and businessman Antxon Alonso, partner of Santos Cerdán, were detained this week in an operation by the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard. National Audience Judge Antonio Piña granted them provisional release on December 13, 2025, imposing biweekly court appearances, passport withdrawal, and prohibition from leaving Spain, as requested by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.
The investigation, under secrecy of summary, points to the group, who communicated via a WhatsApp chat named 'Hirurok' (the three in Basque), using their influence to rig at least five contracts and public aids worth 132.9 million euros. The main case is the rescue of the Basque company Tubos Reunidos with a 112.8 million participatory loan in 2021, justified by the pandemic crisis and its strategic nature, similar to Plus Ultra's (53 million). In exchange, they allegedly received 114,950 euros channeled through the instrumental company Mediaciones Martínez SL.
Other contracts include a fictitious one from Mercasa to Servinabar (Alonso and Cerdán's company) for 18,119.75 euros for a report on office rehabilitation; 17,545 euros from Enusa, where Díez worked; 2.8 million from the Principality of Asturias Business Park (PEPA) with a 400,000 euro commission; and 17.3 million from Sepides. Aids to the Forestalia Group and contracts in Correos are also under scrutiny. Total commissions to Alonso amount to 266,000 euros, invested in properties in Marbella and Jaca, and a home renovation.
Fernández, trusted by María Jesús Montero and removed due to the Aznalcóllar case (from which he was recently acquitted), denied irregularities and stated he received 5,000 euros monthly from Servinabar for services. Díez and Alonso exercised their right not to testify, citing lack of access to the case file. Tubos Reunidos admitted an advisory contract with Fernández for standard amounts but denied relations with Díez or Alonso, and handed over documentation to the court. More defendants and operations are expected.
