José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a former Spanish prime minister, is appearing before a judge as part of a corruption probe that follows a police search of his office. Multiple outlets report that authorities found high-value jewellery and luxury watches worth about €1.2 million to €1.3 million. The court actions include an inquiry into whether Zapatero can provide proof that any required import duties were paid on the items. Separate reporting also indicates that the judge is examining additional alleged offences linked to the jewellery, including tax fraud and smuggling, based on the circumstances discovered during the search.
Several sources also describe a broader legal context for the case. Zapatero is already facing investigation over allegations tied to the state bailout of the Plus Ultra airline during the COVID-19 period, including claims related to influence-peddling. The current questioning is described as addressing both his alleged role in the airline bailout and matters connected to the jewellery found during the raid.
