Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation for suspected tax fraud and smuggling after police found luxury jewellery and watches valued between €1.2 million and €1.3 million in a safe at his office during a May 19 search [1, 2, 3].

The jewellery includes necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and watches made from gold, sapphires, and emeralds sourced from Zambia or Thailand [1, 3]. Investigators say Zapatero has not provided documented proof of payment of customs duties or taxes on the items, raising suspicions of tax evasion or smuggling offences [1, 2, 3]. Investigating judge José Luis Calama said, "The possession of high-value assets without clear fiscal traceability could indicate possible tax evasion or smuggling offences, citing the absence of customs documents or evidence that import duties had been paid" [2]. He also noted, "The possession of high-value luxury goods, coupled with the lack of tax traceability regarding their acquisition, constitutes an objective and rational indication of the possible existence of significant tax fraud" [3].

Some associates claim parts of the jewellery come from family inheritance while others were acquired during travel, but the lack of documents remains central to prosecutors' concerns [1, 3]. The exact valuation differs slightly among sources: one values the collection at €1.2 million, others at about €1.3 million, with the highest estimate at €1,323,915 [1, 2, 3].

Zapatero was already under investigation for alleged influence-peddling linked to the 2021 government bailout of Spanish airline Plus Ultra, accused of securing a €53 million bailout in exchange for commissions [1, 2, 3]. He remains a key figure in the Spanish Socialist Party amid broader corruption allegations affecting the party [1, 2].

Zapatero has denied wrongdoing or receiving payments from Plus Ultra and plans to provide explanations before the court later this month. His spokesperson, Luis Arroyo, said, "He will provide explanations before the judge in relation to the jewels" [1].

He is scheduled to testify on June 17 and June 18 in connection to the corruption and jewellery investigations [2, 3]. This marks the first time a former Spanish prime minister has been formally placed under investigation in recent history [1].