Spanish High Court Probes Ex-PM Zapatero Over €1.3M Jewellery Discovery
Investigation Details and Allegations
Background of the Investigation
MADRID, June 12 (Reuters) - A Spanish High Court judge investigating former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for suspected corruption has opened a separate probe over jewellery found during a search of his office, the court said on Friday.
Zapatero, prime minister from 2004 to 2011, remains a leading figure in the main ruling Socialist Party and the graft allegations - which he has denied - have added to pressure on the government following a series of corruption scandals.
Discovery of Jewellery and Legal Concerns
Value and Documentation Issues
Investigating judge Jose Luis Calama said the jewellery items seized during the May 19 search, provisionally valued at about €1.3 million ($1.5 million), currently lack documented proof of origin.
Potential Tax and Smuggling Offences
He said the possession of high-value assets without clear fiscal traceability could indicate possible tax evasion or smuggling offences, citing the absence of customs documents or evidence that import duties had been paid.
Responses and Next Steps
Statements from Zapatero's Representatives
Zapatero's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier on Friday, his spokesperson, Luis Arroyo, said in a post on X that Zapatero would address the jewellery matter before the judge.
Upcoming Testimony and Broader Corruption Case
Testimony Dates
Zapatero is due to testify on June 17 and June 18 in the corruption case, which centres on an influence-peddling and money-laundering network that he allegedly led.
Details of the Alleged Network
The network is suspected of having profited from lobbying public authorities on behalf of third parties - mainly Spanish airline Plus Ultra, which received a state bailout in 2021.
($1 = 0.8639 euros)
(Reporting by Emma Pinedo;Editing by Helen Popper)
