€1.2 Million Jewelry Find Sparks New Investigation of Ex-pm

WHO:

BBC - José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, former Spanish Prime Minister

WHAT:

BBC - Discovery of €1.2 million worth of jewellery has prompted a new investigation into Zapatero.

BBC - Zapatero is accused of using his influence to secure a €53 million government bailout for Plus Ultra airline in 2021.

WHERE:

BBC - The investigation pertains to actions taken in Spain.

WHEN:

BBC - The bailout of Plus Ultra occurred in 2021.

WHY:

BBC - Zapatero is suspected of being unable to show proof of payment for import duties on the jewellery.

HOW:

BBC - Zapatero has consistently denied any wrongdoing or having received payments from Plus Ultra.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 06:23 UTC)

A new investigation into José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the former Prime Minister of Spain, has been launched following the discovery of €1.2 million worth of jewellery linked to him. He is accused of using his influence to secure a €53 million government bailout for Plus Ultra airline in 2021, and authorities are looking into his inability to provide proof of payment for import duties on the jewellery. Despite these allegations, Zapatero has consistently denied any wrongdoing or having received payments from Plus Ultra.