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Simon Verhoeven released on bail in Plus Ultra money laundering case
Simon Leendert Verhoeven, a Dutch financier identified as a central figure in the Plus Ultra money-laundering investigation, has been released on bail by a Spanish National Court judge. Verhoeven was recently extradited from Germany to Spain following an international arrest warrant.
Judge José Luis Calama rejected a request from the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office for Verhoeven to be held in prison, citing a lack of sufficient evidence regarding a flight risk. Instead, the judge imposed several precautionary measures: Verhoeven is prohibited from leaving Spain, must surrender his passport, must report to a court in Mallorca every two days, and must maintain a local address.
The investigation focuses on the alleged fraudulent use of a 53 million euro government bailout granted to the airline Plus Ultra during the 2021 pandemic. Verhoeven faces charges including misappropriation, influence peddling, money laundering, and membership in a criminal organization. During his hearing, Verhoeven exercised his right to remain silent, stating he had not yet had the opportunity to review the judicial case files.
During a previous search of Verhoeven's residence in Mallorca, authorities reportedly discovered two gold ingots, twelve luxury watches, and various pieces of jewelry. The case also involves scrutiny of connections to former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who is a suspect in the investigation for alleged influence peddling.
Entities
Audiencia Nacional · José Luis Calama · José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero · Julio Martínez Sola · Plus Ultra · SEPI · Simon Leendert Verhoeven
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 12 SOURCES] Verhoeven is prohibited from leaving Spain and must surrender his passport. www.notitarde.com.ve · www.todoalicante.es · www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.deia.eus · +7 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office requested Verhoeven's detention with a one million euro bail. www.notitarde.com.ve · www.todoalicante.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.laopinioncoruna.es · www.lavanguardia.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] The investigation concerns the alleged fraudulent use of a 53 million euro government bailout granted to Plus Ultra in 2021. www.todoalicante.es · www.deia.eus · www.diariodesevilla.es · www.europasur.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · +3 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorities found two gold ingots, twelve luxury watches, and numerous pieces of jewelry at Verhoeven's residence in Mallorca. www.notitarde.com.ve · www.diariodemallorca.es · theobjective.com
- [● 12 SOURCES] Verhoeven exercised his right to remain silent during his hearing, stating he had not yet read the case files. www.notitarde.com.ve · www.todoalicante.es · www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.deia.eus · +7 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] Judge José Luis Calama released Simon Leendert Verhoeven on bail with precautionary measures. www.notitarde.com.ve · www.todoalicante.es · www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.deia.eus · +6 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Verhoeven must report to a court every two days and maintain a registered address in Mallorca. www.notitarde.com.ve · www.todoalicante.es · www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.deia.eus · +7 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Verhoeven is under investigation for misappropriation, influence peddling, money laundering, and criminal organization membership. www.todoalicante.es · www.moncloa.com · www.deia.eus · www.diariodesevilla.es · www.europasur.es · +4 more