Investigation into Zapatero extended for six months in Plus Ultra case
Judge José Luis Calama extended until May 2027 the investigation into the former prime minister for influence trafficking, tax crime and smuggling.
Plus Ultra case proceedings extended until May 2027
Judge José Luis Calama of the National Court extended by at least six months the investigation into former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in a case involving alleged influence trafficking linked to the airline Plus Ultra. According to CNN Portugal, the ruling was issued on Wednesday and extends the investigation period until 28 May 2027.
In the resolution, which the EFE agency accessed, the magistrate followed the opinion of the Anti-Corruption Public Prosecutor's Office and the popular prosecution led by the PP. Calama acknowledged that future extensions are not ruled out.
The judge justified the extension by citing "essential procedural measures" still to be completed: depositions from witnesses and investigated persons, as well as the delivery of police reports relating to documentation requested from public bodies and banking entities. These proceedings, according to the court, "may lead to the charge of new individuals".
Zapatero, former general secretary of the PSOE, is under investigation for alleged influence trafficking in favour of Plus Ultra, in the context of the public loan of €53 million that the airline obtained in 2021. The case also includes suspicions of tax crime and alleged smuggling related to jewellery found by police during a search of his office.
Source: CNN Portugal