Spanish Anti-corruption Unit Identifies Irregular Contracts In Begoña Gómez University Chair Investigation
MADRID, Spain — Spain’s Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard has identified contractual arrangements related to the university chair of Begoña Gómez at the Complutense University of Madrid that appear to have been conducted outside established regulatory procedures, according to an extensive investigative report submitted to judicial authorities.
Popular Accusation Demands 24 Years in Prison for Begoña Gómez, Wife of Spanish Prime Minister
The investigative unit, which specializes in economic and financial crimes, has been examining agreements associated with the development of software for the extraordinary chair held by Ms. Gómez at the Madrid-based university. Preliminary findings indicate that certain procurement processes may not have adhered to standard administrative frameworks applicable to university-sponsored initiatives.
Central to the inquiry is a software platform named Transforma TSC, which was developed with funding from the Complutense University for Ms. Gómez’s chair. According to the UCO report, the platform cost the university 108,765 euros, with the majority of funds sourced from a chair fund supported by contributions from collaborating entities. When accounting for additional labor provided by collaborators, investigators estimate the platform’s total value may range between 225,000 and 253,000 euros.
The report focuses particular attention on contracts between the university and two collaborating companies involved in the software’s development: Making Science Group SA and Deloitte Consulting SLU. Regarding the agreement with Making Science Group, investigators note that the university engaged the firm without processing the requisite administrative documentation, despite the contract value of 20,000 euros plus VAT triggering formal procurement requirements. The report states that the university’s internal audit unit identified this procedural irregularity after services had been rendered, but authorized payment to avoid what was characterized as unjust enrichment of the institution.
Concerning Deloitte Consulting, the UCO indicates that two administrative files were processed in a manner designed primarily to provide an appearance of legal compliance rather than to follow substantive procurement protocols. The report alleges that these contracts were executed outside procedures established under Spain’s Public Sector Contracts Law. Investigators further note that the consulting firm had reportedly commenced work prior to formal contract award and that actual service delivery did not align with the formal execution timelines specified in the agreements.
Beyond contractual matters, a significant portion of the UCO report addresses the use of the university-owned software by Ms. Gómez in promotional workshops and on a public website. Investigators describe a “possible personal utilization” of the publicly funded tool in connection with activities outside the university’s institutional framework. The software was reportedly made available to small and medium enterprises through promotional workshops and to the general public via the website www.transformatcs.org.
The report also examines the establishment of Transforma TSC SL, a company registered by Ms. Gómez through which the software was utilized. Investigators note that the company’s period of activity spanned from November 2023 to June 2024, concluding shortly after the initiation of judicial proceedings. Financial records indicate the company received revenue of 6,687.85 euros from a single client, Innovación Hexagonal SL, administered by Raúl Oliván Cortés, who is identified among the platform’s users. Mr. Oliván previously served as Director General of Open Government and Social Innovation in the Government of Aragon between 2019 and 2023.
La UCO detecta "adjudicaciones premeditadas" y "sin cumplir la normativa" entre los contratos del 'software' de la UCM para Begoña Gomezhttps://t.co/mTquQNoGkg
— Javier Corbacho (@JCorbachoUC) May 25, 2026
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who is overseeing the judicial inquiry, is reportedly investigating Ms. Gómez on multiple matters, including allegations related to the unauthorized appropriation and registration of the university-developed software under her company’s name. Under Spanish law, university positions and sponsored academic initiatives are subject to transparency requirements, competitive procurement standards, and institutional oversight mechanisms designed to ensure proper stewardship of public and private resources.
The Complutense University of Madrid has maintained that its procedures comply with applicable regulations and has indicated cooperation with judicial authorities throughout the investigative process. University representatives have emphasized their commitment to academic integrity and institutional accountability.
Political and legal observers have noted that investigations involving public figures require careful adherence to procedural safeguards while ensuring thorough examination of allegations that may implicate institutional integrity. Spanish judicial protocols provide mechanisms for appeals, evidentiary challenges, and defense representation throughout all stages of investigation and potential prosecution.
The National Court, which has jurisdiction over cases involving potential misuse of public resources, will evaluate all evidence presented by investigators before determining whether to advance formal charges or modify the procedural status of individuals or entities under review.
As the investigation continues, authorities have indicated that further details will be released through official channels in accordance with applicable legal protocols, judicial secrecy provisions, and privacy considerations. Further updates regarding investigative developments, judicial determinations, or related policy considerations are expected as the Civil Guard and relevant agencies provide additional information through verified sources.
Note: This report is based on verified media accounts and publicly available information regarding ongoing judicial proceedings. Legal matters remain subject to Spanish judicial protocols and the presumption of innocence. All individuals and entities mentioned in connection with potential legal activity are presumed innocent until proven guilty through formal judicial proceedings. Details regarding the ongoing investigation remain subject to judicial secrecy and privacy protections.
Reporting from Madrid. Additional contributions from judicial affairs correspondents and public administration analysts.
