Overview

• Judge Juan Carlos Peinado extended the probe by six months to 16 April 2026, citing foreseeable pending diligences and the risk of caducity.
• Prosecutor José Manuel San Baldomero filed an appeal asking that the extension be set aside because article 324’s instruction deadlines do not apply once the case follows the jury‑trial track.
• The appeal cites a 2015 Fiscalía General circular, noted as supported by the TSJM, stating the jury procedure carries its own timing rules.
• Entrepreneur Juan Carlos Barrabés also appealed, contesting the shift to a tribunal del jurado and asserting EPPO competence over EU‑funded Red.es awards, which he argues bars the Madrid court from importing evidence from that avenue.
• Barrabés maintains there is no evidence of influence by Begoña Gómez, pointing to a 2017 Madrid city contract as predating any relevant ties, and he seeks dismissal of the case.