€1.2m in jewels sparks probe of former Spanish PM

Sat Jun 13 2026 13:30:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former Spanish PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero faces fresh investigation after a raid found gold and diamond jewellery worth €1.2m.

Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is under a new investigation after police discovered a cache of luxury watches and jewellery worth €1.2 million in his safe. The raid follows an earlier probe into alleged influence peddling linked to a 2021 airline bailout. Zapatero’s spokesman said he will provide explanations before a judge, but investigators suspect he cannot prove payment of customs duties for the items. This is the first time a former Spanish premier has been formally investigated, adding to a growing list of corruption cases surrounding the ruling Socialist Party.

Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is under a new investigation after police discovered a cache of luxury watches and jewellery estimated at 1.2 million euros inside his safe.

Zapatero governed Spain from 2004 to 2011 and still holds a powerful position within the Socialist Party. He was previously investigated for alleged influence peddling connected to a 2021 government bailout of airline Plus Ultra.

The raid on his office revealed necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings made of gold, sapphires and emeralds from Zambia and Thailand.

Investigators say he cannot show proof of customs duty payments for the jewellery, and he is now being examined for tax fraud and smuggling.

Zapatero’s spokesperson Luis Arroyo stated that he will give explanations before the judge. He has been summoned to testify later this month.

The case marks a first for Spain in that a former premier is formally investigated, adding to a series of corruption allegations that also involve other party officials, including the wife and brother of current Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.