U.S. Homeland Security says it assisted Spain in probe of leftist former PM

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed it aided Spanish authorities in a money-laundering investigation that led to charges against former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. Spain’s High Court announced on Tuesday it is probing Zapatero for allegedly orchestrating an influence-peddling and money-laundering network that benefited third parties, including state-backed airline Plus Ultra, which received a bailout in 2021. The investigation centers on a scheme to influence the approval of €53 million in public aid for Plus Ultra during the Covid-19 pandemic. Judge Jose Luis Calama found evidence suggesting the network used shell companies, falsified documents, and hidden financial channels to launder €1.95 million. The DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit reportedly extracted data from a mobile device linked to Plus Ultra associate Rodolfo Reyes and shared it with Spanish police. Zapatero, who led Spain from 2004 to 2011 and remains active in politics, denied any wrongdoing. He recently campaigned for Socialist candidates in Andalusia and has mediated internationally, including in Venezuela’s political prisoner releases. The DHS stated it collaborates with global partners to combat financial crime but declined to detail the investigation specifics. The case adds to Spain’s leftist government’s corruption scandals, with Zapatero’s alleged network accused of exploiting public funds. The High Court’s findings highlight concerns over opaque financial practices and state bailouts amid the pandemic. Authorities continue to examine the network’s operations and potential links to broader financial misconduct.