In brief
Following the uncovering of a €1.2 million gold and gemstone jewellery cache in former Spanish PM Zapatero’s safe, police have opened a new inquiry into suspected customs violations, tax fraud and smuggling. The case follows earlier investigations into alleged influence‑peddling in the 2021 Plus Ultra airline bailout. Zapatero, a key figure in Spain’s ruling Socialist Party, is scheduled to testify before a court this month. The incident marks the first time a former Spanish premier has been formally charged, raising questions about the party’s internal controls and the country’s corruption‑law enforcement effectiveness.
Police in Madrid have opened a new inquiry into former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, after jewel‑laden safe contents—worth around €1.2 million—were seized during a support‑force raid.
Zapatero, who led Spain from 2004 to 2011, remains a powerful figure in the governing Socialist Party. His name has already surfaced in a separate probe that claims he helped secure a €53 million government bailout for airline Plus Ultra in 2021, for which he allegedly took a commission.
The jewellery, made of gold and set with sapphires and emeralds from Zambia or Thailand, was found by investigators in a safe that was part of a larger search of Zapatero’s office. Police allege he cannot demonstrate payment of customs duties on the items, prompting charges of tax fraud and illicit importation.
In a statement, Zapatero’s spokesman, Luis Arroyo, said the former premier would provide explanations to the judge before the investigation’s next phase. Zapatero is due to testify in court later this month.
The case comes amid a broader corruption strike on the Socialist Party. Earlier this year police raided the party’s Madrid headquarters, seized records, and searched homes of senior members, including the prime minister’s wife and brother, all of whom deny wrongdoing.
Historically, Spanish prime ministers were rarely caught in formal investigations. This marks a significant moment for the country’s political accountability, with observers saying it could signal tighter scrutiny of senior officials.
The investigation will further test Spain’s anti‑corruption framework and its commitment to transparency, particularly as the current prime minister Pedro Sánchez navigates a series of scandals that threaten his administration’s credibility.
