Spain's former PM Zapatero and daughters indicted over Plus Ultra airline rescue and jewelry scandal

Judge Carlos Calama has formally indicted former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his two daughters, Alba and Laura Rodríguez Espinosa, in the Plus Ultra case. The investigation alleges that Zapatero led a hierarchical influence‑peddling network that secured a €53 million public rescue for the airline Plus Ultra in exchange for about €2 million in illicit payments.

The daughters, who serve as joint administrators of the company WhatheFav, were also cited as investigators, prompting a protest graffiti labeling their office as “joyería” (jewelry). Authorities link the family to a separate alleged crime involving €1.3 million worth of jewelry, suspected of being smuggled and subject to tax fraud. The judge’s indictment covers charges of organized crime, money‑laundering, influence‑peddling, document falsification, and fiscal offenses.

The case has sparked widespread public debate in Spain over political accountability and the use of public funds.