Discovery of €1.2m jewellery prompts fresh probe into former Spanish PM
Summary
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is being investigated after police found €1.2 million worth of jewellery in his safe. He is suspected of tax fraud and smuggling because he cannot prove he paid customs duties on the jewels, which may be linked to a family inheritance.Key Facts
- Zapatero led Spain from 2004 to 2011 and is still influential in the ruling Socialist Party.
- Police found luxury watches and jewellery including gold, sapphires, and emeralds worth €1.2 million.
- The jewellery's materials likely come from Zambia or Thailand.
- Investigators suspect Zapatero did not pay customs fees, leading to tax fraud and smuggling charges.
- Zapatero faces another investigation for allegedly influencing a €53 million government bailout of airline Plus Ultra in 2021.
- The bailout was part of COVID-19 support for important companies.
- Police raided the Socialist Party headquarters and several homes connected to the case.
- Zapatero and others involved deny any wrongdoing.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.