Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is facing a massive new criminal investigation following the shocking discovery of luxury watches and high-end jewellery hidden inside his safe.
Zapatero, a prominent Socialist who governed Spain from 2004 to 2011 and remains a highly influential figure in the current ruling party, was already under scrutiny. He was previously facing a probe into alleged influence peddling regarding his role in the controversial 2021 government bailout of the Spanish airline Plus Ultra.
However, that initial inquiry led authorities to execute a raid on his office last month. During the search, Spanish law enforcement discovered an undisclosed stash of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings valued at a staggering €1.2 million (£1.02 million).
In response to the discovery, Zapatero’s spokesman, Luis Arroyo, stated that the former prime minister “will provide full explanations before the judge” regarding the source of the luxury items.
Smuggling and Tax Fraud Allegations
According to leaked details in Spanish media, the seized jewellery was crafted from high-grade gold, sapphires, and emeralds traced back to Zambia and Thailand.
State investigators suspect that Zapatero is completely unable to show legal proof of purchase or payment of required customs duties on the imported gems. As a result, the scope of the case has officially widened, and the former premier is now under formal investigation for both tax fraud and smuggling.
While associates of Zapatero told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the items were simply part of a private family inheritance, he has been officially summoned to testify in court later this month.
A Historic First and a Major Blow to the Government
While other former Spanish prime ministers have been called to testify as witnesses in previous corruption cases, this marks the first time in Spain’s modern history that a former premier has been placed under formal criminal investigation as a suspect.
The deepening inquiry is the latest political scandal to hit the Socialist Party of the current Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, of whom Zapatero is a fiercely close ally and adviser.
The wider corruption web continues to expand:
- The Plus Ultra Case: Zapatero stands accused of utilizing his political influence to secure a €53 million pandemic-relief bailout for the airline in 2021 in exchange for a hefty commission. He denies all wrongdoing.
- Party Raids: Last month, police raided the Madrid headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party, seizing dozens of confidential documents.
- Family Scandals: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s own wife and brother are currently facing separate, ongoing corruption charges. All parties involved have maintained their innocence.
Source: AFP / Spanish Media / EchoPress Newsroom