SPAIN’S former Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is under investigation for influence peddling and related crimes, the National Court said on Tuesday.
It forms part of the so-called Plus Ultra case which is linked to a state rescue worth €53 million in 2021 of the low-profile domestic airline via state holding company SEPI during the Covid pandemic.
The probe is looking into whether Zapatero used his political influence to secure the multi-million euro rescue package for Plus Ultra in exchange for illegal commissions and ties to Venezuelan funds.
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He faces charges of document forgery, influence peddling, and belonging to a criminal organisation
His Madrid office was being searched along with three other premises, the National Court said in a statement, adding that he has been summoned to testify on June 2.
The socialist Zapatero led Spain between 2004 and 2011, winning two elections before losing to the conservative Partido Popular under Mariano Rajoy.
The Plus Ultra bailout became politically controversial because critics said the airline had a poor financial structure and links to Venezuelan shareholders.
The National Court is now probing into whether the aid was correctly rubber-stamped.
The Partido Popular has continually criticised Zapatero’s business ties to Venezuela over recent years.
He has denied any wrongdoing when he gave evidence to a Congress committee.
The move against Zapatero, puts more pressure on the current Prime ?Minister Pedro Sanchez who is dealing with corruption probes involving key PSOE socialist party figures, as well cases involving his brother and his wife, Begoña Gomez.
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