The deputy operational director of the Guardia Civil, Manuel Llamas, has informed the judge of the Audiencia Nacional, Santiago Pedrazin writing that calls from the interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and the director of the Guardia Civil, Mercedes González, had prompted the launch of internal inquiries into members of the investigative unit UCO The submission became public on 15 October 2026, after the media published extracts. According to Llamas, the contacts were prompted by the publication of an extract from an email by Begoña Gómez on 13 October 2026.
According to Llamas’s account, the calls led to the opening of so-called informaciones reservadas – internal inquiries provided for under the Guardia Civil’s disciplinary rules. These proceedings concerned UCO officers whose investigations and reports coincided in time with publications about alleged cases involving the PSOE It remains unclear whether the calls were permissible requests for information from the political leadership or improper interference in police work. The courts are currently assessing the letters and statements; no legal determination has been made.
Judge Pedraz is already dealing with matters in which possible interference in investigations has been raised. The written communication from the Director Adjunto Operativo now before the court also shifts attention to the role of senior figures in the Interior Ministry and the Guardia Civil. Politically motivated interference in internal inquiries would be significant as a legal matter, since it could carry disciplinary as well as criminal consequences. At the same time, an información reservada may legitimately be opened in the course of official duties, for example to clarify internal procedures.
What is established at this point is that Llamas sent the court a written account identifying contacts involving Fernando Grande-Marlaska and Mercedes González, and that details from this letter became public. It remains unclear whether the phone calls amounted to improper interference. Both the public prosecutor’s office and the Audiencia Nacional are examining the case file, including statements from senior officials, UCO officers and the bodies involved.
The Guardia Civil has previously opened internal inquiries into parts of these events. The current procedural picture is based on official records and media reports tracing the timing of the calls, the publication of the extract from Begoña Gómez’s email and the internal inquiries. No court ruling confirming or dismissing the allegations has yet been issued.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).