Former Spanish PM Zapatero faces expanded corruption probe over Plus Ultra rescue and alleged Bolivian lobbying

Spain's Audiencia Nacional has broadened the investigation of former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Judge José Luis Calama now alleges that Zapatero received €200,000 from a Peruvian conglomerate in exchange for lobbying Bolivian President Luis Arce on a multimillion‑dollar dispute, a claim supported by intercepted messages involving Zapatero's secretary.

The case also revisits the 2020 state aid of €53 million granted to the airline Plus Ultra during the pandemic. Prosecutors say Zapatero’s advisory work for the firm Análisis Relevante was a conduit for political influence, and that the rescue funds may have been used for money‑laundering. Additional evidence includes €1.3 million worth of jewelry discovered in Zapatero’s office safe.

Zapatero denies any wrongdoing, calling the accusations unfounded and claiming the evidence was obtained illegally. The expanded probe now covers four distinct investigative lines, raising questions about the former premier’s post‑premiership activities and potential abuse of public funds.