Ex-Spanish PM faces fresh probe after discovery of €1.2m jewellery in safe

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is facing a new investigation following the discovery of luxury watches and jewellery worth €1.2 million in his personal safe.

Zapatero, a Socialist who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2011, was already under investigation for alleged influence peddling related to the 2021 government bailout of Spanish airline Plus Ultra. As part of that inquiry, authorities raided his office last month, where Spanish media reported they found necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings valued at €1.2 million.

Zapatero's spokesman, Luis Arroyo, said the former prime minister "will provide explanations before the judge" regarding the jewellery. According to Spanish media, the items are made of gold, sapphires and emeralds originating from Zambia or Thailand.

Investigators suspect Zapatero cannot prove payment of customs duties on the jewellery. He is now being investigated for tax fraud and smuggling. Associates of the former prime minister have previously said the items were linked to family inheritance. Zapatero has been summoned to testify in court later this month.

While other former Spanish prime ministers have been called to testify in corruption cases, this is the first time in the country's recent history that a former premier has been placed under formal investigation.

The case is the latest scandal to hit the Socialist Party of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, of whom Zapatero is a close ally. In the Plus Ultra case, Zapatero is accused of using his influence to secure a €53 million government bailout for the airline in 2021 and receiving a commission in return. He has consistently denied wrongdoing or receiving any payments from Plus Ultra.

The bailout was approved under a government fund established to support strategic companies affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last month, police raided the Madrid headquarters of the Socialist Party and seized documents as part of a corruption investigation. Searches were also carried out at the homes of senior party figures and a leading businessman. Several individuals, including Sánchez's wife and brother, also face charges. All deny any wrongdoing.