Mercedes González targeted for indictment in Spain’s Leire Díez corruption probe

Spain’s Popular Prosecution has asked judge Santiago Pedraz of the Audiencia Nacional to charge Guardia Civil director Mercedes González, her predecessor Leonardo Marcos and operational deputy Manuel Llamas. The filing alleges the three senior officers coordinated with former PSOE activist Leire Díez to influence investigations that could affect the government, citing meetings, messages and alleged “profile‑keeping” orders.

The prosecution also seeks testimony from former state attorney Álvaro García Ortiz and ex‑prosecutors Diego Villafañe and Beatriz López, who met with Díez in early 2025, to clarify any instructions or knowledge of the alleged scheme. Judge Pedraz has summoned Villafañe and López as witnesses and indicated the other testimonies will be decided after the initial statements.

The case, which grew out of the broader “cloacas del PSOE” investigation linked to the SEPI scandal, has drawn comments from Interior Minister Fernando Grande‑Marlaska, who reiterated his confidence in González’s conduct. The proceedings are framed as an attempt to expose a pattern of “obstruction, prevarication and professional disloyalty” within the Guardia Civil’s top hierarchy.