Former Spanish president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is currently being scrutinized for suspected tax evasion and smuggling after authorities uncovered a collection of around one hundred jewelry pieces worth €1.3 million stored in a safe at his Madrid office, and this development now accompanies an earlier inquiry into alleged influence peddling involving him.
The case, handled by Judge José Luis Calama of the National Court, came to light on May 19 following a police search of the former leader’s offices, where officers discovered several valuables, including a standout diamond and emerald necklace from Zambia appraised at €278,000. Authorities report that Zapatero has not been able to demonstrate the lawful provenance of the piece or verify that the corresponding duties and taxes were paid.
Response and Court Summons
Zapatero’s team claims the jewelry comes from family inheritances and trips taken during his career, and that the total value of the pieces does not exceed €50,000—a statement that contradicts the judicial appraisals. In his upcoming court appearance, scheduled for next week, Zapatero will be required to address these inconsistencies and respond to questions related to a parallel case of alleged mediation in the allocation of €53 million to the airline Plus Ultra, a decision approved by the Spanish government under Pedro Sánchez.
This groundbreaking development positions Zapatero as the first former Spanish president ever confronted with corruption allegations, placing significant pressure on Spain’s judicial framework and testing the public’s confidence in its institutions.