Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero denied orchestrating an influence-peddling scheme tied to a €61.5 million airline bailout during a June 17 hearing at Madrid's Audiencia Nacional. He faces charges of influence peddling, money laundering, tax fraud, and smuggling. The judge placed Zapatero at the 'apex' of an organized network. Zapatero claimed payments flagged by investigators were legitimate consulting fees and design work for his daughters' agency. The probe centers on the 2021 rescue of Plus Ultra airline, which received state funds through SEPI. Investigators allege an offshore company was set up in Dubai to manage funds just days after the bailout approval. A seizure order on May 18 targets any Bitcoin and Litecoin linked to Zapatero, with recovered tokens to be stored in Madrid's Prosegur crypto bunker. Zapatero offered a 'voluntary universal authorization' to verify his assets, stating he holds nothing abroad. The investigation is ongoing.

Key facts

• Zapatero denied four charges including influence peddling and money laundering.
• Judge ordered seizure of Bitcoin and Litecoin linked to the ex-PM.
• Alleged offshore company in Dubai set up days after bailout approval.
• Recovered crypto to be stored in Madrid's high-security bunker.
• Zapatero offered full access to verify his assets, claims none abroad.

KeyAudit data perspective