Spain's ex-PM faces tax fraud probe after police find €1.3 million jewellery in office

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation for possible tax fraud and smuggling after police discovered jewellery valued at more than €1.3 million ($1.5 million) in a safe at his office during a separate corruption inquiry, a court said.

The new investigation stems from a search conducted on May 19 as part of an ongoing probe into allegations of influence-peddling linked to the state bailout of airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to a ruling by Judge José Luis Calama of Spain's National Court, an expert assessment valued the seized jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, rings and watches, at €1.32 million.

The judge said the apparent absence of documentation establishing the tax status and origin of the items raised suspicions of possible tax offences.

"The possession of high-value luxury goods, coupled with the lack of tax traceability regarding their acquisition, constitutes an objective and rational indication of the possible existence of significant tax fraud," Calama wrote in the ruling.

Zapatero, who served as Spain's prime minister from 2004 to 2011, is already being investigated over allegations that he helped facilitate favourable treatment for Plus Ultra during its pandemic-era rescue. Prosecutors are examining claims that he participated in an influence network designed to secure economic benefits for third parties through contacts with public institutions.

A spokesperson for Zapatero said some of the jewellery had been inherited by the former prime minister and his wife, while other pieces were acquired during trips abroad.

The spokesperson apologised for previously estimating the collection's value at between €30,000 and €50,000, saying the assessment had been inaccurate. He added that both he and Zapatero would provide explanations to the court.

Zapatero, who is scheduled to appear before the judge next week, has denied any wrongdoing.

By Aghakazim Guliyev