Spanish Judge Authorizes Probe into Ex-PM Zapatero's Finances in Airline Rescue Case

A Spanish judge has authorized police to investigate the financial dealings of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, his daughters, and his secretary as part of a probe into the Plus Ultra airline rescue. Judge José Luis Calama of the Audiencia Nacional has ordered banks to provide financial information for accounts linked to Zapatero and others from January 1, 2020.

The investigation centers on suspicions that Zapatero led an organized structure to illicitly favor companies, including the airline Plus Ultra, in exchange for financial benefits. This probe expanded after the discovery of jewelry valued at 1.3 million euros in his office safe and allegations of irregular intermediation in Bolivia and Venezuela.

According to the judicial resolution, Calama sees evidence of a "stable and organized structure, directed by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, aimed at exercising illicit influences in favor of certain clients." These clients allegedly compensated Zapatero and his family through "simulated advisory contracts." Funds were reportedly channeled through companies controlled by businessman Julio Martínez, identified as Zapatero's confidant and intermediary.

Preliminary police reports indicate Zapatero may have received substantial sums, including 490,780 euros from a company linked to Martínez between 2020 and 2025. Additional transfers, justified as professional services, are also under scrutiny. Investigators are examining how funds were moved, including through a Santander bank account used to quickly redistribute incoming money to other accounts owned by the former prime minister.