Antonio Balas promoted to colonel while remaining head of UCO anti-corruption unit

Antonio Balas has been promoted to colonel of the Guardia Civil but will remain in his current role leading the Economic Investigation and Anti-Corruption Department (DICEAN) of the Central Operative Unit (UCO).

The decision, signed by Defense Minister Margarita Robles and published in the Official Bulletin of the Ministry of Defense, follows a specific request from National Court judge Ismael Moreno and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The request aimed to ensure continuity in high-profile investigations, such as the ‘Koldo case,’ which might have been disrupted by a standard transfer following his promotion.

Balas will serve in a ‘non-indemnifiable service commission,’ a status that allows him to maintain his leadership of sensitive investigations involving the PSOE and the family circle of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. His tenure in this position will continue until the underlying causes for the commission cease, a new occupant is appointed, or a maximum term is reached.