Investigation into Spanish Socialist Party headquarters over illegal financing and bribery
Spanish police entered the offices of the ruling Socialist Party in Madrid with a court order. The case concerns illegal financing, bribery and links to the Venezuelan regime.
Police raid on Socialist Party headquarters in Madrid
Spanish police conducted an investigation at the central offices of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid following a court order, aiming to gather evidence "of an illegal financing mechanism", according to ERT, which cites El País and other Spanish media outlets.
A police spokesperson confirmed the entry of officers into the building, declining to provide further details, as the investigations are under a state of secrecy.
Seizures and links to Venezuela
The focus of the investigation is Leire Díez, a former party member, who faces charges of bribery and obstruction of justice. Jewellery, watches and cash kept in a safe were seized from his office.
In parallel, an investigation was conducted at the home of a friend of his, a businessman, where approximately 300,000 euros in cash were found, nine watches, 14 mobile phones and notebooks with details of contacts and agreements with the Venezuelan regime.
Series of scandals surrounding Sánchez
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's party is facing multiple corruption cases involving officials and members of their families. The following day, the Prime Minister's brother is to be tried, whilst his wife has been charged with corruption in connection with her activities at the University. The former Transport Minister has already been tried for accepting bribes in exchange for contracts during the pandemic period. All deny the charges.
In two weeks, former Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero is required to appear before an investigating judge, against whom a formal investigation was initiated last week. He will appear on 17 or 18 June. He is accused of bribery, fictitious contracts and money laundering in collaboration with the Venezuelan regime, within the framework of the "Plus Ultra" case.
The Plus Ultra case
At the centre of the scandal is the rescue of Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas during the Covid-19 pandemic. In March 2021, the airline received a loan of 53 million euros from a public fund of ten billion euros that had been established to support "strategic" businesses affected by the pandemic.
Plus Ultra is based in Madrid, however among its main shareholders are Venezuelan businessmen whom the right-wing opposition links to the regime of ousted President Nicolás Maduro.
The leader of the conservative People's Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, stated that the Sánchez government "reeks" of corruption and reiterated his call for early elections.
Source: ERT