Spanish authorities have widened their investigation into former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero after reportedly uncovering luxury jewellery worth €1.2 million during a raid linked to an ongoing corruption probe.

The discovery, which included gold necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings decorated with sapphires and emeralds, has prompted investigators to examine whether the items were properly declared and taxed. Authorities are now looking into possible tax fraud and smuggling allegations connected to the collection.

The latest scrutiny adds to an existing investigation into claims that Zapatero may have used his influence in relation to a €53 million government bailout granted to airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zapatero, through his spokesman Luis Arroyo, has maintained that he will address the allegations through the courts. His associates insist the jewellery is part of a family inheritance and deny any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors continue to examine allegations surrounding the airline bailout, while the case has increased political pressure on the government of Pedro Sánchez amid broader corruption investigations involving individuals linked to the ruling Socialist Party.

Zapatero is expected to appear before a judge later this month as investigations into both the jewellery discovery and the bailout allegations continue.