Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is facing a fresh criminal investigation after authorities reportedly discovered jewellery worth €1.2m during a raid linked to an existing corruption inquiry.
The discovery has widened legal scrutiny of the former Socialist leader, who is already under investigation over allegations of influence peddling connected to a government bailout granted to Spanish airline Plus Ultra during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Spanish media reports, investigators found necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings valued at approximately €1.2m during a search of Zapatero’s office last month.
The jewellery, reportedly made from gold and adorned with sapphires and emeralds originating from Zambia and Thailand, has prompted investigators to examine whether the former prime minister complied with customs and tax obligations related to the items.
Authorities are now investigating Zapatero for alleged tax fraud and smuggling after reportedly questioning whether customs duties were properly paid on the collection.
Zapatero’s spokesman, Luis Arroyo, said the former prime minister would respond to the allegations through the judicial process.
“He will provide explanations before the judge.”
Associates of the former leader have maintained that the jewellery forms part of a family inheritance and have rejected suggestions of wrongdoing.
The latest development comes as prosecutors continue examining Zapatero’s alleged role in securing a €53m government bailout for Plus Ultra in 2021.
Investigators are examining claims that the former prime minister used his influence to facilitate the rescue package and may have received financial benefits in return.
Zapatero has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has consistently rejected allegations that he received payments linked to the airline.
The bailout formed part of a government programme established to support strategically important companies affected by the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The investigation has become one of the most politically sensitive corruption cases in Spain, partly because of Zapatero’s continuing influence within the Socialist Party and his close relationship with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The case has also intensified pressure on Sánchez’s government, which has faced a series of corruption allegations involving figures linked to the ruling party.
Last month, police carried out searches at the Socialist Party’s headquarters in Madrid and seized documents as part of a broader corruption investigation.
Authorities also searched the homes of senior party figures and a prominent businessman connected to the inquiry.
Several individuals close to the governing party, including members of Sánchez’s family, are also facing legal proceedings, although all have denied any wrongdoing.
Zapatero is expected to appear before a judge later this month as investigators continue their examination of both the jewellery discovery and the Plus Ultra bailout allegations.