Spain's former prime minister is suspected of tax fraud
A new investigation has been launched into former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero regarding possible tax fraud linked to the discovery of jewelry without proper documentation. The politician has previously been under investigation in other cases related to influence peddling and state aid.
Former, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, is now facing a new criminal investigation into possible tax evasion and smuggling, further complicating his legal situation amid existing cases.
The Guardian reports this, noting that the new suspicions arose after a search of the politician’s office, where law enforcement officials discovered jewelry of significant value for which there was no proper tax documentation. According to the investigation, on May 19, during an inspection of a safe in Zapatero’s office, jewelry was found that experts estimated to be worth more than 1.3 million euros, raising questions about its origin and declaration.
Judge José Luis Calama stated that the mere fact of possessing such luxury items, combined with the lack of transparent tax records regarding their acquisition, could indicate possible violations of financial legislation.
A spokesperson for the former prime minister explained that some of the jewelry was inherited, while the rest was purchased during travels; initially, their total value was estimated to be significantly lower, after which a representative of Zapatero acknowledged the inaccuracy of his previous statements. “Some of the jewelry was inherited by the former prime minister and his wife, while the rest was purchased during their travels,” the politician’s spokesperson said, adding that the initial valuation was incorrect.
Zapatero himself, who is set to appear in court as early as next week, rejects all charges and insists on his innocence, while investigators continue to examine the origin of the recovered valuables and possible tax violations. The politician had previously been under investigation in cases related to possible abuse of influence and state aid to the Spanish airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic, which adds significance to the new investigation. This is reported by The Guardian.
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