Discovery of €1.2m jewellery prompts fresh probe into former Spanish PM
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation after luxury watches and jewellery worth €1.2 million were found in his safe, raising suspicions of tax fraud and smuggling due to lack of proof of customs duty payments.
- Zapatero is also being probed for alleged influence peddling related to the 2021 government bailout of airline Plus Ultra, accused of securing a €53 million bailout in exchange for a commission, which he denies.
- This marks the first time in recent Spanish history that a former prime minister has been formally investigated, intensifying scrutiny on the Socialist Party led by current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a close ally of Zapatero.
- Authorities have conducted raids on Zapatero’s office and the Socialist Party headquarters, seizing documents as part of ongoing corruption investigations.
- Zapatero has been summoned to testify in court later this month and his spokesman has stated he will provide explanations before the judge regarding the jewellery.