# Spanish political espionage investigation

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-political-espionage-investigation
> Updated: 2026-10-27T09:32:41.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The investigation into the ‘cloacas del PSOE’ case, involving allegations of a conspiracy to obstruct judicial proceedings, has seen significant judicial rulings regarding the status of investigators. 

In mid-October, Judge Santiago Pedraz of the Audiencia Nacional ruled that Civil Guard Colonel Daniel Baena could not act as an accuser in the case. The court determined there was no concrete evidence that Baena was directly harmed by the alleged plot, despite his claims that his removal from his position in Barcelona was linked to his investigations into Carles Puigdemont and the Kremlin.

By late October, the court issued a different order to protect the continuity of the probe. Judge Pedraz mandated that Colonel Antonio Balas remain the head of the investigative unit. This decision, supported by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, was intended to prevent administrative reassignments from disrupting the inquiry, which the court described as having “extraordinary complexity and profound institutional significance.”

## Claims

- Judge Santiago Pedraz ordered Colonel Antonio Balas to remain head of the investigative unit for the 'police sewer' inquiry. (reported by 3 sources)
- The case is described as having extraordinary complexity and special institutional importance. (reported by 3 sources)
- The order aims to prevent Balas's recent promotion from causing his removal from the unit. (reported by 2 sources)
- The investigation involves alleged conspiracy by Leire Díez and Santos Cerdán. (reported by 2 sources)
- The decision was made at the request of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Judge Pedraz secures Colonel Balas's leadership in 'police sewer' inquiry

Spanish Judge Santiago Pedraz has ordered that Colonel Antonio Balas remain permanently in charge of the 'police sewer' inquiry to ensure investigative continuity and prevent administrative interference.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/judge-pedraz-secures-colonel-balass-leadership-in-police-sewer-inquiry

### 2026-10-11: Spain: Judge denies Colonel Baena status as victim in political espionage case

Spanish Judge Santiago Pedraz denied Civil Guard Colonel Daniel Baena the right to act as an accuser in the ‘cloacas del PSOE’ case, citing a lack of evidence of direct harm from the alleged political plot.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-judge-denies-colonel-baena-status-as-victim-in-political-espionage-case

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Cite as: Spanish political espionage investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-political-espionage-investigation