The Unidad Central Operativa (UCO) of Spain’s Guardia Civil has confirmed three documented meetings between its director general, Mercedes González, and Leire Díez, a senior official under investigation for alleged misconduct. These encounters, occurring on September 30, 2024, December 20, 2024, and April 2, 2025, are central to an ongoing inquiry into potential internal leaks and procedural irregularities, according to an internal report reviewed by multiple sources.
The UCO’s investigation centers on Díez, who is accused of orchestrating actions against the unit, including the initiation of three internal inquiries into media leaks. These probes, which were later closed without formal disciplinary action, reportedly stemmed from discussions between Díez and González. A source close to the Guardia Civil confirmed the meetings, noting they followed a prior professional relationship dating to 2022 when González served as a government delegate during a Correos strike, during which Díez led institutional relations.
Documents obtained by the outlet El Diario show Díez repeatedly referencing her “trust” with González in private communications. One message, cited in the UCO’s report, states: “I just bet on a lunch with González that the leaks come from the UCO.” This claim contradicts assertions by González, who reportedly expressed skepticism about the origin of leaks within the Guardia Civil. A separate internal note from Díez to an associate claims González “did not believe the leaks originated from the UCO” and was “perplexed” by the unit’s internal dynamics.
The three investigations were triggered by high-profile leaks, including chats between then-Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and Socialist Party figures, emails from the wife of President Pedro Sánchez, and a publication alleging ties between a senior Guardia Civil officer and a political faction. The UCO’s report details interrogations of key figures, including then-UCO chief Rafael Yuste and judicial police general Alfonso López Malo, though no charges have been filed against them.
A separate thread involves Rubén Villalba, a commandant implicated in a network linked to former Interior Minister Juan Carlos Rivera’s associates. Villalba’s internal notes, obtained through judicial channels, state that Díez claimed “all leaks in the case originate directly from the UCO” and that González “was aware of the meeting and expected feedback.” Villalba, who has since been charged with involvement in the network, reportedly documented these exchanges as part of his own legal defense.
The UCO’s report concludes that Díez “seemingly sought to initiate an internal investigation against the unit, likely leveraging González’s position.” However, neither the National Court’s judicial team nor the Spanish prosecutor’s office have formally charged González, despite the unit’s allegations. A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
The investigation remains under the jurisdiction of Judge Santiago Pedraz, who is overseeing a broader inquiry into political and law enforcement ties. No trial date has been set, and the Guardia Civil’s internal disciplinary process is proceeding separately. The case underscores tensions within Spain’s security forces over transparency and political influence, with implications for the balance of power between institutional leaders and judicial oversight.
