Former president Zapatero summoned to testify this week for influence peddling and money laundering
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero will appear before a judge at the National Court in Madrid accused of leading a structure involved in influence peddling and money laundering linked to the rescue of airline Plus Ultra in 2021.
Former president Zapatero summoned to testify this week for influence peddling and money laundering
Former Spanish Government president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero will be questioned in the coming days by a magistrate as part of an investigation into alleged offences of influence peddling and money laundering. The appearance will take place at the National Court in Madrid, the body responsible for conducting the case.
According to reports from ECO, the Socialist politician was notified on 18 May. During searches of his professional office, investigators found jewels valued at 1.3 million euros in a safe deposit box that did not appear in his asset declaration, which broadened suspicions to possible tax fraud and smuggling.
The case was initially opened to investigate the rescue of airline company Plus Ultra, to which the executive of Pedro Sánchez allocated 53 million euros in 2021 through a loan granted from a ten billion euro fund created to save strategic companies affected by the covid-19 pandemic.
The investigation contends that Zapatero directed an organised network to obtain financial benefits through intermediation and the exercise of pressure on public bodies in favour of third parties, chiefly Plus Ultra. There are also suspicions of the use of dummy companies and false documentation to conceal the origin and destination of funds, including a company run by the former president's daughters.
The Spanish Government has expressed respect for the judiciary and has recalled the principle of presumption of innocence. For his part, the 65-year-old Zapatero has defended his innocence and has committed to full collaboration with the investigation. Regarding the jewels seized, people in his circle have stated that they are family inheritances and gifts.
The investigation into the former PSOE leader is added to other cases affecting people close to the current Government president, including former ministers, Socialist leaders and direct relatives of Sánchez, who are facing charges or being investigated for corruption and influence peddling.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)