Full Breakdown
Zapatero Safe Seizure and Associated Cash Finds in Plus Ultra Investigation
5/27/2026, 2:03:15 AM
Seizure of Jewellery, Documents and Cash
On 19 May 2026, Judge José Luis Calama ordered UDEF, assisted by GOIT, to search former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s Madrid office at 35 Ferraz Street. Agents opened a safe and seized necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, several watches and a gold necklace inscribed “José Luis R.Z.”. They also took hard-drive copies and USB sticks. A separate raid on 11 December 2025 at the home of businessman Julio Martínez Martínez uncovered €286,070 in cash hidden in bags, a radiator and other containers, plus nine watches and fourteen phones.
Background and Context of the Plus Ultra Probe
The search is part of the “Plus Ultra” probe into alleged influence-peddling and money-laundering tied to the €53 million public rescue of a Venezuelan airline during the pandemic via the SEPI fund. Prosecutors allege Zapatero’s network may have benefited from the airline’s payments.
Key Figures and Investigative Units
The case involves former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, his wife Sonsoles Espinosa, secretary Gertrudis Alcázar, spokesperson Luis Arroyo, businessman Julio Martínez Martínez, the companies Análisis Relevante, Voli Analítica, IOT Domotic, Caletón, Summer Wind, and police units UDEF and GOIT under Judge José Luis Calama.
Data and Statistics
Arroyo valued the jewellery at €30,000-€50,000. The cash seized at Martínez’s home totaled €286,070, hidden in bags, a radiator and other containers. Martínez’s firms received €598,910 from the airline despite having no salaried staff.
Official Statements and Responses
Zapatero’s office says the jewellery stems from inheritances and gifts and was stored in the office safe after moving to rented housing. Spokesperson Luis Arroyo repeated the valuation, denied claims of Saudi gifts worth €500,000, and stressed Zapatero is not liable for Martínez’s hidden cash. Police will commission an independent jeweller to appraise the items.
Criticism and Opposition
UDEF investigators highlighted that the three companies receiving airline payments had no employees, noting they “had no salaried staff or contractors in the years in which they received the income.” The concealed cash at Martínez’s residence and the use of intermediary firms Caletón and Summer Wind are cited as possible money-laundering signs.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The jewellery’s market value remains unverified beyond the spokesperson’s estimate. Police note a gold necklace bearing Zapatero’s initials but have not confirmed its provenance. No legal link has been established between Martínez’s cash and Zapatero, and the seized electronic files have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This whole affair is a kind of persecution” — José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former prime minister.
- “They are not the jewels of Empress Sissi,” — Luis Arroyo, authorized spokesperson.
- “all three companies had no salaried staff or contractors in the years in which they received the income” — UDEF report.
- “is not responsible if Julio Martínez had money hidden in a sock” — Luis Arroyo, spokesperson.
What’s Next
Zapatero is scheduled to appear before Judge Calama on 2 June 2026 to present his defence. The external jewellery appraisal will be submitted to the court, and further forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices is expected to shape subsequent investigative steps.
