Police entered the headquarters of Spain's ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid on Wednesday to search for information regarding a possible illegal payments scheme and financial wrongdoing. The Guardia Civil followed a judicial request for specific items, including a subpoena related to payments made to Leire Díez. Unlike a general entry and search, this action required prior notice to target specific evidence.
The raid occurs as a series of corruption scandals and broad criminal investigations grip the country and roil the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. These graft probes into Sanchez's allies and family members have added pressure on the Prime Minister to resign.
A court recently stated that former Socialist premier and close ally of Sanchez, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, is suspected of leading an influence-peddling and money-laundering network. While Zapatero has denied any wrongdoing, Sanchez said he is still standing by the former premier.
PSOE spokesperson Montse Minguez stated that the party is calm and fully cooperating with the courts, stressing that any information requested would be handed over.