Luis Carrero, a former advisor to the Spanish government, has been implicated in a controversy concerning potential conflicts of interest following his appointment as an assistant to David Sánchez, the brother of Spain's Prime Minister, in the Diputación de Badajoz in January 2024. According to findings from the Unidad Central Operativa (UCO) of the Guardia Civil, Carrero was managing responsibilities related to national cybersecurity while concurrently fulfilling tasks assigned by Sánchez.

Documents reviewed by investigators indicate that on October 17, 2023, while still serving in a government capacity, Carrero was approached by Sánchez for assistance with an operatic project he was directing.

Sánchez requested Carrero’s collaboration for the premiere of "La Paz perpetua," emphasizing that his request did not require a formal commitment.

Despite expressing admiration for the project, Carrero communicated the significant workload he had, specifically mentioning the review of nearly 100 pages related to the national cybersecurity strategy, which was highlighted as being a priority.

In a follow-up correspondence dated October 30, 2023, Carrero completed the requested task late at night, referring to Sánchez affectionately and expressing urgency about upcoming obligations.

His email suggested a close working relationship, with Carrero indicating that the project report should be signed by Sánchez as the project director from its inception.

Investigators have suggested that Carrero's actions imply he was balancing his governmental duties with private assignments, raising questions of influence and priority, especially given that Sánchez appeared to anticipate Carrero’s future involvement as his assistant well before Carrero’s official appointment—23 days prior to the public announcement.

Additionally, UCO's report emphasized the swift nature of Carrero's hiring process, where he was noted to have been the only candidate selected for the position of Chief of Section for Transborder Centers and Programs, having completed a personal interview in just 45 minutes.

This has prompted further scrutiny surrounding the hiring protocols at the Diputación of Badajoz.

The Guardia Civil's findings have led to an ongoing investigation into not only Carrero's appointment but also the broader implications of influence peddling within the current administration.

Evidence has emerged that Sánchez had effectively taken for granted Carrero's upcoming role, as shown in a series of emails exchanged between the two around the period of Carrero's transition from Moncloa to the Diputación.

The investigation continues amid a growing concern about the potential implications for governance and public trust in administrative processes in Spain.