The investigating judge of Sección de Instrucción Plaza 3 in Soria has extended the secrecy of the investigation files in the so-called Fuentona case by a further month. According to the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Castilla y León this third extension has been in force since 22 September 2026 and runs until 22 October 2026. It was justified by the complexity of the investigations already ordered and still under way, and by the risk that ending the secrecy status early could “seriously” jeopardise the success of the investigation.
The case concerns an alleged corruption scandal involving the Ayuntamiento de Soria. The investigations were triggered by police operations at the end of June 2026, during which the town hall was among the premises searched. Seven people were initially arrested, including the then councillor for Tourism and the Environment, Yolanda Santos. According to media reports, investigations were opened into possible offences such as abuse of office, unlawful influence, forgery of documents, money laundering and membership of a criminal organisation. Formal charges are not publicly available so far because the files are under seal; those arrested at the time were released during the summer.
The secreto de sumario severely restricts access to the case files for parties to the proceedings and the public. According to the judiciary, it protects covert investigative measures and the preservation of evidence, and is intended to prevent collusion or interference. Although earlier rulings admitted the participation of the Vox and the Partido Popular as acusación popular, they remain unable to access the investigation documents until the current period ends.
Politically, the Fuentona case has placed considerable strain on debate in Soria and Castile and León. Questions have arisen about public procurement and possible networks said to have existed for several years. While secrecy remains in force, neither the scale of the alleged irregularities nor their financial extent or the responsibilities involved can be independently verified. Statements by suspects or third parties cannot currently be checked against official documents, and interim findings cannot be reliably assessed.
When the current period expires on 22 October 2026, the judge could lift the secrecy—or order a further extension if the state of the investigation requires it. The court initially made no statement on the matter.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).