Full Breakdown
US DHS Assistance Triggers Zapatero Money-Laundering Probe
5/20/2026, 10:53:01 PM
US DHS Assistance Triggers Zapatero Money-Laundering Probe
On May 20 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) gave Spanish police data from a mobile device belonging to Rodolfo Reyes, linked to airline Plus Ultra. The material was passed to Spanish police, leading to a High Court investigation of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for alleged influence-peddling and money-laundering.
Political Background and Plus Ultra Bailout
Zapatero, Spain’s prime minister from 2004-2011, remains a senior Socialist Party figure and ally of current premier Pedro Sánchez. The probe focuses on Plus Ultra, which was rescued by the state in 2021 and later received €53 million in pandemic aid via the solvency support fund. Ongoing corruption scandals have strained the left-leaning government.
Financial Scope of the Alleged Scheme
The High Court alleges the network tried to influence approval of €53 million in public aid for Plus Ultra. Investigators say shell companies, fabricated documents and concealed routes hid €1.95 million of the funds. The aid was granted through the solvency support fund during the pandemic. The aid formed part of Spain’s significant pandemic relief effort.
Official Reactions from DHS, Sánchez and Zapatero
A DHS spokesperson said the agency could not comment on the specifics of the investigation but affirmed HSI’s commitment to international cooperation against global crime. Prime Minister Sánchez expressed support for Zapatero and emphasized respect for the judiciary and the presumption of innocence. Zapatero denied any wrongdoing.
Opposition Leaders Challenge Government
Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of “climbing to power to ‘plunder everything’” and said Spain is ruled by corrupt officials. Gabriel Rufian of the ERC party asked, “Where does lobbying end and influence peddling begin? If this is true, it’s shit,” reflecting public frustration.
Unclear Details and Ongoing Secrecy
Spanish authorities have not disclosed the precise content of the mobile-device data or the full scope of HSI’s involvement. The sealed investigation leaves uncertainty about the extent of alleged misconduct and pending legal outcomes.
Key Direct Quotations
- “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the criminal investigation at this time, HSI remains committed to working with its international partners to fight global crime, protect our communities, and uphold the rule of law.” — DHS spokesperson
- “All my support for Prime Minister Zapatero.” — Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain
- “Climbing to power to ‘plunder everything’.” — Alberto Núñez Feijóo, Opposition leader
- “Where does lobbying end and influence peddling begin? If this is true, it’s shit.” — Gabriel Rufian, ERC party member
