The head of the Guardia Civil is the latest political figure to be dragged into the so-called ‘Leire’ corruption probe.

Mercedes Gonzalez, director of the armed force, and deputy operational chief Manuel Llamas, are suspected of misconduct in public office and obstruction of justice.

The investigation centres on claims that former PSOE activist Leire Diez attempted to undermine the Guardia Civil’s elite Central Operative Unit (UCO) – which is investigating high-profile corruption cases linked to the ruling PSOE party.

According to the judge, there is sufficient evidence that Gonzalez and Llamas may have committed the alleged offences.

Both have been summoned to appear as suspects before the National Court on July 16.

However, Pedraz declined to investigate the Guardia Civil’s former director general, Leonardo Marcos, finding there was insufficient evidence against him despite requests from the Partido Popular (PP), which is acting as a private prosecutor in the case.

The investigation has steadily expanded in recent weeks and focuses on an alleged network that prosecutors believe sought to derail judicial investigations affecting the government and the PSOE.

It is said to have been led politically by former senior PSOE figure Santos Cerdan, with Leire Diez accused of coordinating efforts behind the scenes.

During a Senate appearance in May, Gonzalez firmly denied interfering in any UCO investigation or placing pressure on officers.

‘I have never, ever interfered in any investigation,’ she told senators.

She acknowledged meeting Diez on two occasions, although a UCO report claims the pair actually met at least three times between 2024 and 2025.

Investigators allege that Diez encouraged Gonzalez to launch internal disciplinary proceedings against the very UCO officers investigating corruption cases linked to the government.

The case is one of several investigations currently piling pressure on Spain’s ruling Socialist administration.