Former president Zapatero charged with tax fraud and smuggling after jewels worth €1.3m discovered
Spanish justice has added two new offences to the investigation already affecting former Government president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero: tax fraud and smuggling of luxury jewels discovered in a safe deposit box during a search.
Former president Zapatero charged with tax fraud and smuggling after jewels worth €1.3m discovered
The National Court has expanded the investigation against former Spanish Government president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero with two new alleged offences: tax fraud and smuggling. The judicial decision comes after investigators discovered a safe deposit box containing jewels and luxury watches valued at €1,323,915 during a search, according to reporting by Le Figaro.
Judge José Luis Calama issued an order stating that the former Socialist leader, who governed between 2004 and 2011, has been unable to prove payment of tariffs, special duties or taxes related to the importation of these items. Among the seized objects are multiple necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and high-end watches.
These charges are in addition to those already facing Zapatero for alleged influence peddling and money laundering. The legal case, which now has several branches, began with his alleged intervention in the rescue of a small airline company in 2021. The politician was charged on 19 May for that aspect of the case and is scheduled to testify on 17 and 18 June before judge Calama.
According to the National Court, the investigation suggests that Zapatero would have headed a "stable and hierarchical" structure dedicated to obtaining bribes. The person concerned flatly denies all the charges against him.
The search in which the safe deposit box was found took place on 19 May in an office linked to the former president. The politician's circle has attributed the jewels to family inheritances, whilst his lawyer has publicly downplayed the total value of the collection, distancing it from the €1.3m figure handled by prosecutors.
The case has generated significant political repercussions. The opposition has demanded the resignation of the current Government president, Pedro Sánchez, also from the PSOE, and the calling of early elections. Sánchez had until now maintained his support for the former Socialist leader, although pressure has intensified in recent days after it was revealed that, according to investigators, there would be an alleged interference office within the party itself tasked with obstructing investigations affecting the circle close to the head of the Executive. Sánchez has stated that he never had knowledge of such an initiative.
Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)