The appointment of Pedro Merino as new head of the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard marks a turning point in a stage characterized by institutional pressure and public attention to the most complex investigations in the country. The decision was adopted by the Ministry of the Interior, the body on which the Civil Guard depends, according to official information published by the Ministry of the Interior.
The UCO is considered the elite unit of the Civil Guard in the fight against organized crime, corruption and economic delinquency. His leadership involves not only operational leadership, but also strong exposure to political and media tensions, particularly when legal proceedings affect important figures in the institutional landscape.
A strategic change at the head of the UCO
The change at the head of the UCO comes after the promotion of the former leader, Rafael Yuste, to the rank of brigadier general. This movement opened a phase of internal uncertainty in a unit accustomed to working according to strict criteria of reserve and functional autonomy.
In this context, the designation of Pedro Merino This is not a routine appointment. Sources from the Ministry of the Interior itself emphasize that priority was given to his knowledge of the internal structure of the Civil Guard and his experience in areas directly related to the criminal investigation.
A profile with experience in criminal investigation
Before occupying this new position, Merino was part of the General Staff of the Civil Guard, having previously been head of the Salamanca command. His career includes positions of high responsibility, both at the territorial level and in strategic analysis units.
In addition, he was assigned to the Technical Unit of the Judicial Police, a key body in the study of serious organized crime. This approach allowed him to acquire a transversal vision of the major criminal phenomena which are then taken on by the UCO.
Previous experience in the central operational unit
One of the aspects that had the most weight in his appointment was his previous stint at UCO itself, in the early 2000s. During this period, Pedro Merino He has worked in the field of economic crime and fraud, a particularly sensitive sector due to the social and political impact of his investigations.
This direct knowledge of the unit’s internal workings and its operational protocols is considered essential at a time when the UCO faces causes of enormous technical complexity and public repercussions.
A context of maximum institutional pressure
This change occurs amid the UCO’s investigative activity on the causes of corruption that affect the political and economic environment. The unit maintains open procedures which have attracted notable media interest and require a high degree of functional independence.
Sources close to the Civil Guard recognize that the position of head of the UCO is one of the most exposed in the entire police structure, both due to external pressures and the need to protect the confidentiality of ongoing reports.
Relations with other state agencies
Throughout his career, Pedro Merino He has also held functions in institutional coordination environments. In 2013, he passed through the Zarzuela Palace and then joined the Department of National Security, dependent on the Presidency of the Government.
These missions allowed him to work in scenarios of maximum institutional sensitivity, where information management and coordination between organizations are decisive for state security.
Expectations within the Civil Guard
The appointment was received with caution within the body. The UCO is going through a particularly demanding stage, with ongoing investigations that require command stability and institutional support to ensure its development without interference.
The figure of the new leader will be essential to maintain the internal cohesion of the unit and preserve its prestige of reference in the fight against corruption and organized crime.
A mandate under public control
The arrival of Pedro Merino to the leadership of the UCO coincides with a moment of high political sensitivity. The work of the unit is subject to constant scrutiny of public opinion, which increases the responsibility of the position.
The main challenge is to ensure that investigations continue to be carried out with technical rigor, independence and respect for legal procedures, in an environment where any leak or interference can have significant consequences.
With this meeting, Pedro Merino It is at the center of one of the most complex stages for the Central Operational Unit, with the mission of strengthening its stability and protecting its key role within the rule of law.
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