Zapatero declares innocence as first ex-Spanish PM charged with money laundering and influence peddling

The hearing

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero appeared before Judge José Luis Calama at the Audiencia Nacional on Wednesday, answering questions for roughly three hours. He is the first former Spanish head of government to face indictment for money laundering and influence peddling. Despite prosecutors and popular accusers requesting restrictions (including passport withdrawal and biweekly court check-ins), the judge declined to impose any precautionary measures. Zapatero left the court freely in a private car.

Charges and investigation

Zapatero stands accused of seven crimes (influence peddling, money laundering, tax fraud and smuggling among them) tied to the 2021 public rescue of airline Plus Ultra. The Spanish government injected 53 million euros into the carrier during the pandemic, and investigators allege Zapatero exerted improper influence to secure the bailout, possibly receiving illicit commissions. During the interrogations, the judge pressed him on an alleged company he supposedly set up in Dubai to channel payments. Zapatero categorically denied any such entity.

“I am completely innocent and I ask for your trust. I will not let you down.”

Jewelry and safe

During searches of the PSOE headquarters in Madrid, the Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) found jewelry in a safe inside Zapatero’s former office. A court-commissioned expert report valued the pieces at over 1.3 million euros, expanding the investigation to possible smuggling and additional tax offences. Zapatero refused to discuss the jewelry in court. His defense has appealed the judge’s decision not to postpone that part of the questioning, arguing more time is needed to examine the expert report and establish the origin and timing of the items.

Prosecutors' requests

Anti-corruption prosecutors asked the judge to seize Zapatero’s passport and compel him to appear in court every 15 days, citing a flight risk. The popular prosecution (backed by the right-wing Partido Popular, the far-right Vox, and the association Hazte Oír) went further, demanding pre-trial detention. Judge Calama rejected all these requests. Nonetheless, the public ministry’s filing signals a broad-ranging probe that now covers hidden foreign assets, undocumented wealth and the jewelry seizure.

Zapatero’s response

Breaking a 29-day silence, Zapatero presented the court with what he called a 'universal voluntary authorization' to allow verification of any foreign bank accounts, companies, financial products or other assets. He stated he has 'absolutely nothing outside Spain.' In a written statement issued after the hearing, he insisted he had behaved with decency and honour and promised to 'restore the trust of those who now doubt me' through 'absolute transparency.' The investigation continues, with further procedural steps expected in the coming weeks.