Claims that Spain's CNI holds an 'atomic bomb' against Sánchez are baseless

There is no evidence that Spain's intelligence agency, the CNI, holds recordings or secret information to be released 72 hours before the July 23, 2023 election. The story mixes false claims and is not backed by any media outlet or official body.

## An evidence-free story spreading on social media

A message circulating on social media claims that a **CNI** employee leaked to an acquaintance that the **PSOE** (Spain's Socialist Party) is holding an "atomic bomb" to publish **72 hours before** the general election on **July 23, 2023**. The story claims the party is nervous about damaging news and that, when the moment comes, it will have no ammunition because people will have spent a month burning up the streets.

No media outlet has verified this alleged leak. The **CNI** has confirmed nothing and the **PSOE** has not commented on any supposed recording. The story provides no names, dates or documents.

## What the law says about the CNI and recordings

The **CNI** is Spain's intelligence service, under the **Ministry of Defence**. Its activities are governed by **Law 11/2002**, which regulates its functions and limits. The law prohibits the agency from carrying out recordings or surveillance without judicial authorisation when fundamental rights are at stake.

Accusing the **CNI** of recording political conversations to use them in a campaign is a serious allegation. Without a court ruling or a parliamentary investigation, there is no basis to support it.

## Pegasus, saunas and other campaign rumours

The message mentions possible contents: sauna matters, the **Pegasus** case or recorded conversations. The **Pegasus** case did happen: in **2022** it was revealed that this software had been used to spy on Catalan politicians and the Spanish Prime Minister. But that case was investigated by the Audiencia Nacional (Spain's high court) and has not produced any electoral "bomb".

Mixing a real case with an invented threat is a common disinformation technique. It lends an appearance of plausibility without adding anything new.

## Why you shouldn't take this story at face value

The story cites no sources, offers no evidence and contradicts the legal workings of the **CNI**. It presents a rumour as fact. Before sharing something like this, check whether any fruta outlet has published it. None has.