José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who served as Spain's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011, is facing a fresh inquiry into potential tax fraud and smuggling offences. The investigation was initiated after police discovered jewellery with an expert valuation exceeding £1.1 million (equivalent to €1.3 million) during a search of his office safe. The discovery was made on 19th May as part of a separate, ongoing investigation into alleged influence-peddling.
The current influence-peddling inquiry centres on allegations that Mr Zapatero oversaw a 'hierarchical structure' aimed at securing economic benefits through leveraging influence with public bodies for third parties, particularly in relation to the state bailout of Plus Ultra airline during the Covid-19 pandemic. He is accused of other related offences as part of this broader probe.
On Friday, Judge José Luis Calama of Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, announced the launch of the new investigation. The decision followed an expert assessment which valued the collection of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and watches at precisely €1,323,915. Judge Calama stated that the apparent absence of necessary tax documentation for the high-value items raised 'objective and rational indication of the possible existence of significant tax fraud'.
The judge highlighted that the acquisition of such valuable jewellery would typically incur various tax obligations, including VAT, property transfer tax, inheritance and gift tax, or personal income tax, depending on the nature of the transaction. The lack of 'tax traceability' concerning their acquisition was a key factor in opening the new inquiry.
A spokesperson for Mr Zapatero initially claimed the jewellery was worth between €30,000 and €50,000. However, following the expert valuation, the spokesperson apologised on Friday for unintentionally misleading the public, stating that some pieces were inherited by the former prime minister and his wife, while others were acquired during trips. Both Mr Zapatero and his spokesperson are expected to provide an explanation to Judge Calama next week.
Mr Zapatero has consistently denied any wrongdoing in both the current and previous investigations. Following the initial probe into his role in the Plus Ultra bailout, he released a video affirming his innocence and willingness to cooperate, stating that all his activities, both public and private, have always been conducted with 'absolute respect for the law'.