Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, has launched a formal investigation into three senior executives of steel manufacturer Sidenor for their alleged complicity in crimes against humanity or genocide. The probe, confirmed on Friday, October 24, 2025, centres on accusations that the company covertly sold steel to an Israeli arms manufacturer in potential violation of a national arms embargo.

The court named Sidenor's chairman, Jose Antonio Jainaga Gomez, and two other executives in the investigation. They are suspected of smuggling and complicity in grave international crimes for allegedly selling steel to Israel Military Industries (IMI) Systems, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, Israel's largest private arms company. According to the court's statement, the executives proceeded with the sale knowing the material "was going to be used for the manufacturing of weapons" and did so without seeking the mandatory Spanish government authorisation for such exports.

The three executives have been summoned to testify before investigating judge Francisco de Jorge on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, EAT. The case was initiated following a complaint filed in July by a pro-Palestinian association in Catalonia.

Spain's Arms Embargo

The investigation unfolds against a backdrop of Spain's hardening stance against the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has been one of Europe's most vocal critics of the conflict, with Sanchez referring to the situation as a "genocide." Spain announced it had stopped arms exchanges with Israel shortly after the conflict escalated following the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. This informal halt was formalized and enshrined in law in October 2025, creating a total embargo on the export of defence equipment and dual-use technology to Israel. The law also prohibits ships and aircraft carrying weapons or jet fuel to Israel from using Spanish ports or airspace.

According to a report by Irish publication The Ditch, Sidenor had allegedly shipped 1,207 tons of steel bars to IMI Systems over a ten-month period starting in August 2024. Following these reports, Sidenor announced this summer that it would halt all trade with Israel. The court noted that Sidenor as a corporate entity is not currently under investigation, attributing this to the cooperation of whistleblower employees who helped expose the alleged activity and "prevent the continuation of the allegedly criminal activity."

Global Context and Kenyan Relevance

The Sidenor case is a significant example of potential legal consequences for European companies accused of supplying military-related materials to Israel during the conflict. For Kenya and the East Africa region, it underscores the increasing legal and reputational risks for businesses involved in the defence supply chains of nations engaged in major conflicts. While there are no direct links between Sidenor's alleged actions and Kenyan entities, the case is relevant to Kenya's diplomatic and economic positioning.

The Kenyan government officially supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has called for dialogue and respect for international law. President William Ruto has publicly affirmed Kenya's relationship with Israel as a key ally, particularly in security and technology, while also backing UN resolutions for a ceasefire and expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Recently, on October 9, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi welcomed a ceasefire agreement as a vital step to ease suffering.

This diplomatic balancing act occurs alongside growing trade relations with Spain. In October 2022, President Ruto and Prime Minister Sánchez met in Nairobi to expand trade and investment ties. As these relationships deepen, the Sidenor investigation serves as a powerful reminder of the international legal frameworks and ethical considerations that govern global trade, particularly concerning materials with potential military use. It highlights a global trend towards greater corporate accountability in armed conflicts, a principle with far-reaching implications for international trade and foreign policy worldwide.