Spanish police seize cash, jewellery in probe linked to former PM Zapatero

Spanish police have seized cash, jewellery, hard drives and documents during searches linked to an investigation involving former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and an alleged influence-peddling network connected to the bailout of airline Plus Ultra.

According to investigators, officers found €286,070 in cash at the home of businessman Julio Martínez Martínez, described in the investigation as a close associate of Zapatero and an alleged front man in the case. The money was reportedly hidden in bags, boxes, drawers, a toiletry bag and even inside a radiator. Police also seized nine watches and 14 mobile phones, Euronews reports.

The searches were carried out by Spain’s financial crimes unit, UDEF, as part of an investigation overseen by National Court judge José Luis Calama.

During a separate search of Zapatero’s office in Madrid, police found jewellery and watches inside a safe, alongside hard drives, diaries covering 2019 to 2025, and company-related documents.

According to the report, necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and watches bearing inscriptions were among the items discovered. Zapatero’s secretary reportedly told investigators that the jewellery came from inheritances received by the former prime minister’s wife.

The investigation centres on the €53 million state bailout granted to Plus Ultra during the pandemic. Investigators are examining allegations that a network linked to the former prime minister may have benefited financially from the operation.

Police allege that Julio Martínez Martínez received nearly €600,000 from the Venezuelan-linked airline through three companies that reportedly had no employees or contractors.

“The whole affair is a kind of persecution,” Zapatero said in response to the investigation.

The former prime minister has maintained that the jewellery found in the office safe consisted of inherited items and gifts kept there after he and his wife moved into rented accommodation without a safe at their residence.

Judge Calama has ordered multiple searches and is continuing the investigation into alleged influence peddling and related financial offences. Zapatero is expected to appear before the National Court on June 2.

By Sabina Mammadli