ZAPATERO INVESTIGATED FOR TAX FRAUD OVER €1.2M JEWELLERY

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Spanish Prime Minister, faces a new investigation for tax fraud and smuggling following the discovery of luxury jewellery valued at €1.2m in his office safe. Authorities discovered necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings made from gold, sapphires and emeralds originating from Zambia or Thailand during a raid last month. Zapatero is suspected of being unable to provide proof of payment of customs duties on the items. His spokesman, Luis Arroyo, stated that Zapatero will provide explanations before a judge regarding the jewels.

The Socialist politician governed Spain from 2004 to 2011 and remains influential within the ruling party. This investigation represents a separate matter from an existing probe into alleged influence peddling relating to Zapatero's role in a €53m government bailout of Spanish airline Plus Ultra in 2021. Associates of the former prime minister have said the jewellery items are linked to family inheritance. Zapatero has consistently denied wrongdoing or receiving payments in connection with the Plus Ultra case.

Zapatero has been summoned to testify in court later this month. This marks the first time in Spain's recent history that a former prime minister has been placed under formal investigation. The inquiry follows recent scandals affecting the Socialist Party of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, of whom Zapatero is a close ally. Several other figures, including Sánchez's wife and brother, currently face charges in separate corruption-related investigations.