Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Faces New Tax and Smuggling Investigation

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under a new investigation for suspected tax fraud and smuggling after authorities located luxury watches and jewellery valued at €1.2m in his safe. This development follows a prior inquiry into alleged influence peddling concerning a 2021 government bailout for Spanish airline Plus Ultra.

Reports from Spanish media indicate that necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings made with gold, sapphires, and emeralds, originating from Zambia or Thailand, were found during a raid on his office last month. Investigators suspect Zapatero failed to provide proof of payment for customs duties on these items.

Zapatero, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011 and remains a significant figure within the ruling Socialist Party, is expected to provide explanations before a judge later this month. His spokesman, Luis Arroyo, confirmed that Zapatero "will provide explanations before the judge." Associates have previously suggested the items are linked to a family inheritance.

This marks the first instance in Spain's recent history where a former premier has been placed under formal investigation, despite other ex-prime ministers having testified in corruption cases. The new allegations compound existing scrutiny of Zapatero, who is a close ally of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose own Socialist Party faces multiple corruption charges involving senior figures, including his wife and brother. All deny any wrongdoing.

In the Plus Ultra case, Zapatero is accused of leveraging his influence to secure a €53m bailout for the airline and allegedly receiving a commission. He has consistently refuted these claims, denying any illicit payments from Plus Ultra.