Daughters of former Spanish Government chief charged in corruption case
The two daughters of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero have been summoned as investigated parties in judicial proceedings examining alleged crimes of abuse of influence and bribery.
Daughters of former Spanish Government chief charged in corruption case
This Thursday, Spain's National Court decided to charge Alba and Laura Rodríguez Espinosa, daughters of the man who served as president of the Executive between 2004 and 2011. The ruling is part of an investigation pointing to possible crimes of abuse of influence.
The decision comes shortly after Zapatero himself appeared before magistrate Calama. The veteran PSOE leader has rejected all charges brought against him.
According to evidence gathered by the court, the former leader allegedly ran an organised network to obtain economic benefits in exchange for favours. To conceal these payments, various commercial companies were reportedly used as fronts. One of them, called "Whathefav", was allegedly administered by the politician's daughters, which explains their summoning as investigated parties.
This proceeding forms part of the so-called "Plus Ultra" case, which investigates whether Zapatero intervened to have the State inject 53 million euros into an airline in difficulties during the health crisis. It is presumed that he acted motivated by personal economic interests and taking advantage of his network of contacts.
At the same time, judicial agents discovered in a safe in his office a collection of jewellery and watches of great value, valued at 1.3 million euros. For this reason he is also being investigated for possible tax and smuggling crimes. During his appearance on Wednesday, the former Socialist leader refrained from clarifying the origin of these objects to the court.
Various media outlets have reported, citing sources close to the investigated party, that these pieces would form part of the official gifts that leaders receive on State visits, and that they would have been gifted by the former sovereign of Saudi Arabia to Zapatero's spouse while he held the position of Government chief.
Source: 20 Minutes
Source: Google News LU FR