Spain's High Court Investigates PM's Former Chief of Staff in Graft Probe

Spain's High Court has placed Juan Manuel Serrano, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, under investigation as part of a wide-ranging corruption probe. The court ordered police to seize and analyze Serrano's mobile phone data.

Serrano, who also served as postmaster general, is implicated in a suspected plot to destabilize judicial and police investigations affecting Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE). The focus is on text messages exchanged with Leire Diez, identified as the alleged ringleader, who held a senior position in the postal service during Serrano's tenure. Diez has denied wrongdoing.

Investigating judge Santiago Pedraz stated in his writ that Serrano and Diez "may have used public entities for their own benefit or that of third parties." The messages could help determine Serrano's level of responsibility, from consent to instigation.

Additionally, Vicente Fernandez, the former head of the state holding company SEPI, is under investigation concerning Diez's appointment to the agency. Fernandez has also denied any wrongdoing. A PSOE spokesperson indicated the party would cooperate fully with the investigation.

This development marks another blow for Prime Minister Sanchez, whose party has been involved in several graft scandals in recent years.