Discovery of €1.2m jewellery prompts fresh probe into former Spanish PM

José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is suspected of being unable to show proof he paid import duties on the jewellery. Discovery of €1.2m jewellery prompts fresh probe into former Spanish PM Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Silver necklaces are displayed in cabinets against a white backdrop Three images are shown side by side, showing earrings, necklace and a bracelet with diamond encrusted on them Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is facing a new investigation following the discovery of luxury watches and jewellery in his safe. Zapatero, a Socialist who governed from 2004 to 2011 and who remains influential in the ruling party, had already been facing a probe into alleged influence peddling relating to his role in the 2021 government bailout of Spanish airline Plus Ultra. That inquiry prompted authorities to raid his office last month, where Spanish media reported they discovered necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings valued at €1.2m (£1.02m). Zapatero's spokesman, Luis Arroyo, said "he will provide explanations before the judge" in relation to the jewels. The jewellery was made with gold, sapphires and emeralds originating from Zambia or Thailand, according to Spanish media. Investigators say Zapatero is suspected of being unable to show proof of payment of customs duties on the jewellery. He is now under investigation for tax fraud and smuggling. Associates of the former prime minister said at the time that the items were linked to family inheritance, Agence France-Presse reported. He has been summoned to testify in court later this month. While other Spanish prime ministers have been called to testify in corruption cases, this is the first time in the country's recent history that a former premier has been placed under formal investigation. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (pictured) is a close ally of Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero wears a suit at a microphone The inquiry is the latest scandal to hit the Socialist Party of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, of whom Zapatero is a close ally. In the Plus Ultra case, Zapatero is accused of using his influence to secure a €53m government bailout of the airline in 2021 and receiving a commission in return. He has consistently denied wrongdoing or having ever received payments from Plus Ultra. The bailout was approved under a government fund established to support strategic companies hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last month, police raided the Madrid headquarters of the Socialist Party and seized a number of documents as part of an investigation into alleged corruption. Searches were also carried out at the homes of senior party figures and a leading businessman. A number of figures, including Sánchez's wife and brother, also face charges. All deny wrongdoing. Spanish police cordon off access to the Socialist Party's headquarters on a judicial order to gather information on a possible illegal financing scheme. Spanish police raid HQ of governing Socialists as corruption probe escalates File pic showing Spain's PM wearing a denim shirt in front of a green background Spain's Sánchez digs in after eight years as PM as wave of scandals threatens survival Harry Whitton's family believe the 18-year-old died after a possible reaction to a vape he bought in Benidorm. The Pope is appealing for a humane approach and respectful welcome for migrants seeking a better life. BBC Sport examines which World Cup teams and players have played the most minutes since last summer, when the Club World Cup was kicking off in the United States. Corruption probes of colleagues and relatives have put Spain's premier into a fight for survival. The searches come amid a series of scandals affecting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's PSOE. Begoña Gómez is accused of using her relationship with Pedro Sánchez to advance her private career. Spain's prime minister delivers a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump's threat to end trade with his country. European nations say they want to work better together but have differing priorities