Spain opens new probe into ex-PM Zapatero over jewellery found in office
Investigators say 103 pieces of jewellery valued at more than €1.3 million lacked proof of origin or customs payments.
- A Spanish High Court judge opened a tax fraud and smuggling probe into former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on Friday after luxury jewels valued at about €1.3 million were discovered in his office safe.
- This inquiry follows an existing probe into Zapatero's alleged influence peddling regarding a €53m government bailout of Plus Ultra in 2021, which he has consistently denied.
- Spanish media reported the seized necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings contain gold, sapphires, and emeralds originating from Thailand or Zambia; associates claim the items are linked to family inheritance.
- Zapatero's spokesman Luis Arroyo said, "He will provide explanations before the judge," regarding the jewels, as investigators allege the former premier cannot provide proof of customs duty payments.
- The inquiry marks the first time in recent Spanish history a former premier has faced formal investigation, adding pressure on the Socialist Party of Prime Minister Pedro following police raids last month.
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High-end jewelry specialists consider the result "excessively low" and suggest that the estimate underestimated variable production costs. Read Source link: https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/06/13/6a2c35e6fc6c83493b8b45a9.html Author: Silvia Lorenzo, Beatriz Miranda Publish date: 2026-06-13 18:13:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
The former president of the government must sit on June 17 and 18 in front of the judge José Luis Calama, who has just extended his charge to a tax offence and another one of smuggling for jewels valued at 1.3 million euros The judge investigates for crime
Madrid. The judge of the Spanish National High Court, José Luis Calama, decided to open a separate piece of investigation in the proceedings against the former president of the Spanish government, the socialist José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in a case for jewels and precious stones found in his office during the registration by the Civil Guard, on May 19.
Along with a necklace there are gargantillas, bracelets, hoops and watches that the Justice requested to examine a jewelry company known in Madrid, Ansorena, and the Spanish Gemological Institute, which valued the total of jewels at 1,300,000 euros.
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