Spain’s former PM faces tax fraud inquiry as police find €1.3m of jewellery
Summary
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former prime minister of Spain, is under investigation for possible tax fraud after police found jewelry worth more than €1.3 million in his office safe. He is also being investigated for alleged influence-peddling connected to a government bailout of the Spanish airline Plus Ultra during the Covid pandemic.Key Facts
- Zapatero led Spain’s socialist government from 2004 to 2011.
- Police found jewelry valued at about €1.3 million during a search on May 19.
- Authorities suspect tax fraud because there is no paperwork showing taxes paid on the jewelry.
- Zapatero is also being investigated for influence-peddling related to the bailout of Plus Ultra airline.
- Influence-peddling means using power to get benefits for others in exchange for favors.
- Zapatero’s spokesperson said some jewelry was inherited and some bought during trips; they apologized for earlier undervaluing the collection.
- Zapatero denies any wrongdoing and says he will cooperate with the investigation.
- His successor, Pedro Sánchez, faces separate corruption investigations involving his family and government.
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