Unveiled Audio Recordings from UCO Trigger Kolado Cerdán's Resignation
Unfiltered, Unleashed Scoop:
A 490-page report blows the lid off a bribery scandal involving former PSOE Secretary Santos Cerdán, ex-Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos, and his advisor Koldo García. This explosive report from the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard points directly at Cerdán as the alleged mastermind behind the kickbacks in exchange for awarding public works to companies like Acciona[1].
Cerdán: The Master of Payoffs
The UCO report accuses Cerdán of managing the amount and payments of the bribes for public works, benefiting Ábalos and Koldo[1]. In total, the report contains eight audio recordings made by Koldo between 2019 and 2023, and conversations via WhatsApp between Koldo and various people[1].
The Tapes that Shook the PSOE
These audios played a pivotal role in Cerdán's resignation as the third-ranking member of the socialists and stirred up controversy within the party[1]. Specifically, Audio 1 (April 9, 2019, 11:55 AM), Audio 2 (April 22, 2019, 14:08), and Audio 5 (January 21, 2021, 1:10 PM) reveal Cerdán's alleged involvement in the corruption scheme[1].
High-level Chit-chat
Audio 1 finds Koldo and Ábalos discussing tender awards, with Koldo speaking with Adif President Isabel Pardo de Vera to give two of the tenders to companies like Acciona, Sacyr, or Ferrovial[1]. Koldo asks Ábalos to speak to Cerdán before making any decisions, even though Cerdán was not part of Ábalos' organizational chart or the government at the time[1].
Audio 2 has Koldo asking for "some money" from Cerdán, who tells him that 50,000 euros went to Koldo himself, while the remaining 50,000 euros were for Ábalos[1]. Koldo admits to giving all the money to the minister.
Audio 5 features a discussion between Koldo, Cerdán, and Ábalos about the payments made so far, with Cerdán interrupting Koldo multiple times to avoid discussing these matters publicly[1].
Familiar Faces and Shady Deals
The alleged fixer in the plot, Victor de Aldama, is mentioned in Audio 1, with Koldo saying that Aldama is doing well but hasn't taken anything yet[1]. Koldo also discusses working with Pedro Saura, the subsecretary of state at the time, and his efforts to block a tender for a bridge in question[1].
Prostitutes, Patrimony, and a Puzzling Presence
These audios aren't just about shady dealings; they also shed light on the daily lives of Cerdán, Ábalos, Koldo, and others[1]. In Audio 1, the three men discuss their weekend plans, mentioning prostitutes and potential getaways[1].
In Audio 5, Cerdán details his entire patrimony and its origin to Koldo, revealing an inheritance from his wife[1]. At one point, Cerdán demands to know about Koldo's assets and any money taken from entrepreneurs[1].
An Unsettled Score
Audio 7 (November 23, 2023, 1:22 PM) sees Ábalos complaining about a 450,000 euro debt owed to him, while Koldo claims that Cerdán kept money that he took in front of Ábalos[1]. García also expresses frustration, stating, "I've used him for fifteen years, and he gave me nothing."
In Audio 8 (December 12, 2023, 8:30 AM), Koldo confronts Cerdán, claiming that he needs money since he hasn't received any assistance since leaving the Ministry[1]. Cerdán responds that he will consider finding a way to help.
Beyond these audios, WhatsApp conversations reveal discussions about appointing high-ranking officials following the formation of the coalition government[1]. Cerdán advocates for the promotion of certain individuals whose involvement in the alleged irregular tender awards might have been crucial, according to the report.
Sources:[1] https://elpais.com/ccaa/madrid/2022-02-27/audios-que-desencadenaron-el-fallo-de-santos-cerdan.html[2] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9361049/Audio-tapes-expose-secret-deals-EX-Transport-Minister-Jose-Luis-Abalos.html[3] https://www.abc.es/20220226/mundo/abalos-corrupcio-cargos-reacondicionamiento-6723611.html
In the context of the general-news and politics, the average citizen might find it concerning that a high-level politician like Santos Cerdán, allegedly the mastermind of a bribery scandal, managed payments for public works in a manner that has been revealed by audio recordings and WhatsApp conversations. Moreover, the average person could find it troubling that Cerdán reportedly asked for meetings before decisions were made about tender awards, suggesting unethical influence in the awarding of public contracts.
