Spanish Judge Investigates Ex-Prime Minister Zapatero Over Plus Ultra Bailout

A Spanish judge is investigating former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for alleged roles in influence peddling and money laundering related to a government bailout of Plus Ultra airline. The investigation includes assistance from U.S. law enforcement.

Investigation Details

The Spanish National Court announced on Tuesday that Zapatero is under investigation.

Investigating Judge Jose Luis Calama is examining allegations that Zapatero led an influence-peddling and money-laundering network. The network is alleged to have profited from lobbying public authorities for third parties, primarily Spanish airline Plus Ultra.

Judge Calama found indications that the network used shell companies, simulated documents, and opaque financial channels to hide the origin and destination of funds totaling €1.95 million. The scheme is alleged to have aimed to influence the approval of €53 million ($62 million) in public aid to Plus Ultra via Spain's solvency support fund during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plus Ultra Bailout

Plus Ultra, a Spanish-owned airline with Venezuelan investors, received 53 million euros in COVID-19 recovery funds in 2021. The airline specializes in flights between Spain and Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador.

U.S. Law Enforcement Involvement

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed it assisted Spanish police in the investigation. A DHS spokesperson stated that the Madrid office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) assisted the Spanish National Police in investigating the laundering of international public funds, which led to proceedings against Zapatero.

The court writ noted that HSI extracted information from a mobile device belonging to Rodolfo Reyes, a person connected to Plus Ultra who is also under investigation, and provided it to Spanish police.

Zapatero's Status and Response

Zapatero, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011, has been summoned to answer a judge's questions on June 2. He had been out of office for a decade when the bailout occurred. He is a member of the Socialist party led by current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Police searched Zapatero's office on Tuesday.

Zapatero denied any wrongdoing, stating that his public and private activities have complied with the law and that his income has been declared transparently.

Spanish government spokesperson Elma Saiz said the administration approaches the news with calm, confidence, prudence, and respect for the law.