Former Spanish PM denies influence-peddling and smuggling allegations

The former prime minister of Spain has denied any wrongdoing before the National Court in Madrid, as he was questioned by a judge for his alleged role in an influence-peddling and money-laundering network suspected of profiting from lobbying public authorities on behalf of third parties.

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who was prime minister from 2004-2011, was placed under investigation in May surrounding the state bailout of a Venezuela-linked airline Plus Ultra during the Covid pandemic.

Plus Ultra was an airline specializing in flights between Spain and South America. It received a €53 million ($57.2 million) bailout in March 2021 from government-granted public funds. 

While Zapatero, 65, had been out of public office for a decade at the time of the bailout, the investigating judge Jose Luis Calama said from Spain’s highest court that the former premier had allegedly headed a “stable and hierarchical” structure, using “opaque financial channels” to conceal the movement of money and obtain bribes for his illicit manoeuvring.

Zapatero’s alleged role in the bailout is not the only probe by Calama. The discovery of a €1.3 million jewellery stash found by police in Zapatero’s office last week resulted in the judge opening a second investigation into additional alleged offences of tax fraud and smuggling. 

Investigators say Zapatero is suspected of being unable to show proof of payment of customs duties on the jewellery. Citing court sources, state news agency EFE said that when Calama asked Zapatero about the jewellery on Wednesday, the ex-premier exercised his right not to testify, arguing his defence had not had enough time to prepare.

However the former prime minister’s entourage insists the hoard of luxury bracelets, necklaces, rings and watches is down to family inheritance.