Spanish Police Raid Headquarters of PM Sánchez's Socialist Party in Corruption Probe

May 27, 2026

Spanish police sought documents at PSOE headquarters on May 27, 2026, under an order from investigating judge Santiago Pedraz. The investigation centres on former PSOE organisation secretary Santos Cerdan and alleged offences including belonging to a criminal organisation, bribery, disclosure of secrets, and influence peddling. The High Court announced in May 2026 an investigation into Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on suspicion of leading an influence-peddling and money-laundering network.

Police raid on PSOE headquarters

▪The May 27, 2026 action at PSOE headquarters was a judicial request for information requiring prior notice and targeting specific items, not an entry and search carried out without prior notice.
▪Spanish police sought documents at the headquarters of Spain's ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) on May 27, 2026.
▪Investigating judge Santiago Pedraz ordered the request of various documents and electronic files from the PSOE headquarters.

Alleged criminal plot investigation

▪The alleged offences in the PSOE investigation include belonging to a criminal organisation, bribery, disclosure of secrets, inducement to give false testimony, false accusation, falsification of commercial documents, misconduct in public office, influence peddling and offences against state institutions.
▪Santiago Pedraz's investigation centres on former PSOE organisation secretary Santos Cerdan, along with other party officials, lawyers, a businessman and a police officer.
▪Santos Cerdan was named in the PSOE investigation for the first time in May 2026.
▪The High Court investigation into PSOE concerns an alleged plot to destabilise judicial proceedings against the party or the government.

Sánchez response to probe

▪Pedro Sánchez stated on May 27, 2026 that if new irregular behaviour emerged, PSOE would deal with it with the same firmness as before.
▪Pedro Sánchez stated on May 27, 2026 that the request for documents at PSOE headquarters did not constitute a police search.
▪Pedro Sánchez reiterated his support for Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on May 27, 2026.
▪Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Pope Leo on May 27, 2026.

Party cooperation with courts

▪Pedro Sánchez stated on May 27, 2026 that PSOE was fully cooperating with the courts.
▪PSOE has been affected by multiple corruption scandals including investigations into Pedro Sánchez's key allies and family members.
▪Pedro Sánchez stated on May 27, 2026 that PSOE had absolute respect for the judiciary.

Zapatero influence-peddling probe

▪The High Court announced in May 2026 that it was investigating Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on suspicion of leading an influence-peddling and money-laundering network.
▪Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero denied any wrongdoing in the influence-peddling and money-laundering investigation.
▪Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is a former Socialist premier and close ally of Pedro Sánchez.