Zapatero, daughters also under investigation: Plus Ultra case overwhelms family and Spanish left

The case of Plus Ultra has taken a dramatic turn as the legal investigation expands beyond its initial scope, now involving not just the former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero but also his daughters and other close associates. The inquiry, led by Judge José Luis Calama, has broadened to include Alba and Laura Rodríguez Espinosa, the two daughters of Zapatero, along with his former secretary, Gertrudis Alcázar. This expansion comes after the judge decided to include them in the list of suspects based on evidence suggesting their involvement in financial operations linked to the corruption scandal surrounding the rescue of the airline company Plus Ultra during the pandemic.

At the heart of the investigation is the company Wathefav, which is owned by the two daughters. According to judicial documents, this firm played a significant role in facilitating the movement of money, concealing transactions, and enabling the system that allowed Zapatero to be implicated in the case. The judge's decision was influenced by the discovery of generic invoices issued between Wathefav and another company controlled by a friend of Zapatero, Julio Martínez Martínez. These invoices lacked specific details about services rendered, raising suspicions that they were used to mask simple cash transfers.

Zapatero himself has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Wathefav was engaged solely in providing consultancy reports and developing communication plans for certain companies he collaborated with. However, this explanation has been dismissed by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, which argues that the company was actually being used as a tool to transfer funds to him. This claim gained further traction following a raid conducted by authorities on May 19, where materials related to these alleged activities were seized.

The involvement of Gertrudis Alcázar, Zapatero’s former personal assistant, adds another layer to the complexity of the case. She was responsible for managing his electronic communications, and her role appears to have extended into the broader scheme of illicit influence. Emails intercepted by investigators show that she coordinated with Cristóbal Cano, an employee of Julio Martínez Martínez, regarding the issuance of a €20,000 invoice. These messages suggest that Alcázar was actively participating in the process of funneling money through various channels.

Zapatero faces multiple charges including abuse of influence, tax evasion, and smuggling. Initially, he was accused of pressuring the government led by Pedro Sánchez to allocate public funds to save Plus Ultra, a small Spanish airline struggling during the pandemic. The first set of accusations included fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. Now, with the inclusion of family members and business associates, the scale of the investigation has grown significantly.

Another aspect under scrutiny involves luxury items discovered during a search of Zapatero’s office. Items such as necklaces, bracelets, and rings valued at over one million euros were found and are suspected to have been imported without paying customs duties. This has led to additional charges of smuggling against him.

As the investigation continues, the implications for Zapatero and his family are profound. The legal proceedings could lead to serious consequences, not only for the former prime minister but also for those associated with him. The case highlights the complex web of relationships and financial dealings that can ensnare individuals in high positions, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in political leadership. The outcome of this investigation will likely shape the future of both Zapatero and the wider political landscape in Spain.