Promoting the colonel to the rank of brigadier general Rafael Yusteuntil now responsible for the Central Operations Unit of the Civil Guard (UCO), and therefore for the investigations surrounding the PSOE and the closest circle of Pedro Sanchezunleashing “fear” among the members of the unit.
Sources consulted by EL ESPAÑOL confirm that many UCO members suspect that the government will leave the unit in the hands of a leader linked to Marlaska.
“They do not want the investigations to continue. It is a priority for the executive branch to put people on their side who can leak information. One way to do this is to replace Yusti,” they warn.
They assert that the speed of change comes in response to a “political decision,” and that there is a “governmental interest” in accelerating the replacement of the head of the unit responsible for prosecution investigations. The Begonia Gomez case And who Koldo case.
UCO is also directing investigations targeting the brother of the Prime Minister. David SanchezIt was essential in the procedure that ended with the disqualification and conviction of the State Prosecutor. Alvaro Garcia Ortiz.
Colonel Yuste’s promotion, which according to internal sources “really came about due to merit and experience,” has raised concern within the Corps, because it occurs in the midst of an investigation into issues sensitive to the government.
In fact, among the names being discussed for replacement is that of Lieutenant Commander Colonel María Dolores Jimeno Durán, who currently holds the post of Grand Marlaska Counselor. If confirmed, she will become the first woman colonel in the Civil Guard.
Although Yusti’s promotion, first in his class, was on the regular calendar — promotions are evaluated annually — the jump to general did not officially align with him until July 2026 because of age and seniority criteria.
In addition, in October, two generals from the brigade—Francisco Javier Sánchez Gil and Arturo Brito Bozic—departed after exhausting their maximum command period of four years. This renovation has opened the door to the current upgrade process.
The Professional Association of the Civil Guard (JUCIL) confirmed to EL ESPAÑOL that it does not know “whether or not there is any kind of coincidence or political explanation surrounding this decision.”
Yuste has directed the UCO since June 2023 after passing through the General Staff, Operational Support Group (GAO) and Information Headquarters.
Those who know him highlight his “professionalism” and “absolute silence” in the face of potential government pressure, stressing that he never provided information about the ongoing investigations, even when they affected senior government officials.
They point out that “he has never bowed to political interests, and that is what makes him uncomfortable. He is a thoroughly professional man. His career has transcended any political ideology.”
He is appointed after being selected by the Civil Guard Council – charged with evaluating the merits and capabilities of the various candidates – and obtaining the approval of the Minister of the Interior. Fernando Grande Marlaska.
However, the decision must enjoy defense consensus and ultimately depends on the Cabinet, which will approve the appointment on Tuesday.
The vision of the executive authority
On the part of the government, promotion is considered part of a “normal procedure” and after the colonel participates in the corresponding training courses.
Minister Marlaska has repeatedly denied any interference in the activity of this unit.
In June, he defended the unit’s “independence and professionalism” before the media, noting that the executive had increased the number of UCO employees by 61.6% since 2018, in addition to strengthening its budget and material resources.
In Congress, the Interior Minister also described accusations that the government intended to behead the UCO for interfering in judicial investigations as “completely ridiculous” and accused Al-Haq of “using the National Police and the Civil Guard for their own interests.”
However, some attempts by the executive authority indicate the opposite. The People’s Party denounced before the Senate the Interior Ministry’s interest in bringing the General of the Civil Guard, Alfonso Lopez MaloTo a European organization in the midst of investigations into Ferraz.
This agent, who is considered by the Executive to be a “nuisance” factor, is the head of the Judicial Police Headquarters, on which the UCO, the Technical Unit of the Judicial Police and the Criminal Offenses Unit depend.
Specifically, they intended to transfer him to the European Maritime Operations Center for Combating Drug Trafficking (MAOC-N) based in Lisbon, but were faced with the decision already made by Brussels, which had selected another candidate, the Dutchman Sjoerd Taub.