Bolivia probes former Spanish PM Zapatero over alleged influence in cement dispute

Bolivia's Departmental Prosecutor's Office in Chuquisaca opened a criminal investigation into former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for alleged illicit influence. Prosecutor Roger Mariaca said the probe concerns a 200,000‑euro payment from Peru's Grupo Gloria to Zapatero, allegedly to sway Bolivian authorities in a legal battle between the cement firm Soboce and state‑owned Fancesa over a multimillion‑dollar compensation claim.

The prosecutor has formally requested judicial cooperation from Spain and Peru, asking each to provide documentation related to Zapatero’s involvement. The requests were sent to Bolivia’s foreign ministry on 7 July. Spain’s Economic and Financial Crimes Unit (UDEF) previously reported that Zapatero participated in a “dynamic of intermediation and influence” with Bolivian officials. The investigation proceeds separately from the ongoing litigation, which includes a Supreme Court ruling obligating Soboce to pay over $74 million to Fancesa.