Six Former CESID Agents Implicated in 1981 Attempted Coup

Newly declassified documents reveal that six members of the Agrupación Operativa de Misiones Especiales (AOME) – the special operations group of Spain’s former intelligence service, CESID – actively participated in the attempted coup d’état on February 23, 1981, and subsequently attempted to cover up their involvement.

Details of the Involvement

According to a report from the service, the agents either possessed prior knowledge of the coup attempt or actively planned operational support for it. Following the failed coup, they reportedly initiated “Operation Mister” to obscure their movements and participation during the events of that day. Infobae reports.

The report specifically names Captains Francisco García Almenta and Vicente Gómez Iglesias, Sergeant Miguel Sales, and Corporals Rafael Monge Segura and José Moya Gómez as being implicated. Captains García Almenta and Gómez Iglesias, along with Sergeant Sales and Corporals Monge and Moya, were allegedly involved in providing support to the column that advanced towards the Cortes (Parliament). Cadena SER details.

Commander Cortina’s Role

The documents also reference Commander José Luis Cortina, who led the AOME unit at the time. While it is “not proven” that he had prior knowledge of the coup, El Independiente reports there are “indications that this was the case.” The report states, “There is no known direct activity of Commander Cortina in relation to the events of the 23rd.”

Legal Outcomes and Aftermath

Of the implicated agents, only Captain Gómez Iglesias was sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in the 23F coup attempt. Commander Cortina was tried and acquitted. Captain García Almenta, Corporal Monge, and Corporal Moya were discharged from the secret service, while four other civil guards from the AOME also faced dismissal. RTVE confirms.

The report also notes that Commander Cortina had prior contacts with the Papal Nuncio and the U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Todman, before the events of February 23rd.

Background on CESID and AOME

CESID (Centro Superior de Información de la Defensa) was Spain’s intelligence service from 1977 to 2002, responsible for strategic information and state security. It was replaced by the Centro Nacional de Inteligencia (CNI) in 2002. AOME was an elite unit within CESID created in the 1980s for special operations.