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A Supreme Court investigating judge in Spain ordered a former senior official in the ruling Socialist Party to be held in pre-trial detention on Monday, as part of a corruption inquiry that could derail Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s minority government.
The case involving Santos Cerdán is the latest and arguably the most serious in a series of scandals that forced Sánchez to issue public apologies and deflect calls from his political opponents for a snap election.
Judge Leopoldo Puente is investigating allegations against Cerdán, the former Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos and his aide Koldo Garcia, that they received kickbacks for awarding public works contracts.
Cerdán resigned from office earlier this month but denied the allegations.
Abalos and Garcia also say they are innocent.
Cerdán’s resignation came after a statement from Puente citing “strong evidence” of his possible involvement in the “improper awarding” of contracts.
In a court document, Puente said the former official could face charges including membership of a criminal organisation, influence peddling and bribery.
The judge denied a bail request for Cerdán, citing concerns he might attempt to destroy or hide evidence, as his home has not yet been searched.
Puente also said Cerdán represented a flight risk.
The case is built on recordings that span a period of years and were seized from Garcia’s home, which Puente said appeared to be authentic despite the defendants arguing that their voices had been manipulated.
The judge said Cerdán appeared to be the group leader.
On Monday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended his Socialist Party’s handling of the corruption allegations, saying that it had acted decisively by asking him to resign.
“Justice must determine the responsibilities that Santos Cerdán may have,” Sánchez told reporters during a UN summit in Seville.
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