MADRID – Spain’s Supreme Court on Monday ordered the pre-trial detention of Santos Cerdán, a former high-ranking official of the ruling Socialist Party, amid an escalating corruption investigation that threatens to destabilize Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s minority government.

Judge Leopoldo Puente, leading the probe, refused bail for Cerdán as part of a judicial inquiry into a suspected kickbacks-for-contracts scheme involving several senior political figures. The court did not immediately release further details behind the detention decision.

The scandal, which has now reached the top echelons of Sánchez's party, centers on allegations that Cerdán, along with former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and his aide Koldo García, were involved in the illicit awarding of public works contracts in exchange for financial gain.

Cerdán, who resigned earlier this month from his role as the Socialist Party’s third-most senior leader and gave up his seat in parliament, has denied the accusations. Both Ábalos and García also maintain their innocence.

Judge Puente previously cited “strong evidence” implicating Cerdán in contract irregularities, prompting swift action from within the party. Prime Minister Sánchez defended the party’s response, stating at a summit in Seville: “The Socialist Party acted responsibly in requesting Cerdán’s resignation. Now it is up to the courts to determine any legal liability.”

The case has become a political lightning rod, with opposition leaders calling for a snap election and accusing the Sánchez government of enabling systemic corruption.

With public trust in institutions under strain and key elections looming, Cerdán’s detention adds new urgency to a growing crisis that could reshape Spain’s political landscape.