Corruption Scandal Shakes Spanish Government: Cerdan's Arrest

The Spanish Supreme Court has moved to detain Santos Cerdan, a former senior official of the ruling Socialist party, in a corruption probe that risks further destabilizing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's fragile minority administration.

The ongoing investigation, led by Judge Leopoldo Puente, implicates Cerdan, ex-Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos, and his aide Koldo Gacia in a scheme involving kickbacks for public work contracts. With no bail set for Cerdan, the case is seen as the most severe among a series of scandals plaguing the Sanchez government.

Cerdan, who resigned from his high-ranking party position and role as a lawmaker earlier this month, has denied any wrongdoing. His resignation came following Judge Puente's assertion of "strong evidence" pointing toward Cerdan's involvement in contract misappropriation.

(With inputs from agencies.)