An investigation conducted by the prestigious anti-corruption squad in Spain, the UCO (Central Operational Unit of the Guardia Civil), has implicated the infrastructure behemoth Acciona in an extensive scheme of political corruption purportedly orchestrated from the highest levels of the Socialist Party (PSOE). The investigators claim that the corporation disbursed large sums in illegal kickbacks to clinch significant government contracts. Allegedly, these bribes were channeled via political figures closely associated with ex-minister José Luis Ábalos and the party’s past Organization Secretary, Santos Cerdán.
More than €600,000 in Illegal Payments
The UCO report outlines transactions amounting to a minimum of €620,000 related to certain public contracts granted to Acciona. The transfers were allegedly facilitated through intermediaries associated with Ábalos and his close confidant Koldo García, with the whole scheme managed and orchestrated by Santos Cerdán.
Investigators also uncovered evidence of an additional €450,000 in pending bribes tied to three further public contracts, suggesting that the alleged corruption network was not isolated but ongoing, even after early signs of irregularities began to emerge.
Contracts Tailored to Favor Acciona
The agreements under discussion encompass major infrastructure initiatives carried out from 2018 to 2021, including roads, railway constructions, and public transport networks, mostly in areas managed by the PSOE. As reported by the UCO, these bids were manipulated with specific technical criteria that effectively barred competitors, securing Acciona’s victory.
The document describes the proceedings as being a part of a “flawlessly organized framework” where political influence was leveraged to manipulate the bidding procedure in return for monetary bribes.
The Key Role of Santos Cerdán
An essential aspect of the UCO investigation involves Santos Cerdán’s involvement. The report claims that Cerdán was aware of the bribery operation and orchestrated the handling and allocation of funds. Documented conversations and witness accounts indicate that he was the key political player coordinating the connection between business interests and senior political power.
Based on the findings of the researchers, Cerdán was responsible for managing the talks, distributing shares, and serving as the intermediary between the granting officials and the recipients of the plan.
Quietude in Institutions and Internal Evaluations
Acciona has launched an internal review, publicly distancing itself from any wrongdoing. One former executive allegedly linked to the scheme has already left the company. Although Acciona claims ignorance of any irregularities, the UCO report suggests otherwise, painting a picture of a company that either actively participated or turned a blind eye to corrupt practices.
Although the allegations are serious, the government has not issued any formal comment. Within the PSOE, the situation has become a sensitive issue, particularly following recent prominent resignations prompted by earlier stages of the corruption inquiry.
The UCO’s findings make it clear: Acciona was purportedly involved in an extensive politically driven scheme aimed at obtaining bribes in return for public contracts worth millions of euros. Should this be validated, the case would uncover a profound corruption network embedded not only among party officials but also within the entities accountable for the administration of public funds.
This issue has moved beyond internal party misconduct—it’s now a potential national-level scandal. The public is now watching to see if the judicial system and political bodies have the determination to seek complete accountability, no matter how far the inquiry extends.
