Spain’s ex-prime minister investigated in money-laundering case

Spain’s National Court on Tuesday charged former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero with money laundering, influence peddling and other criminal offenses committed in connection with the €53 million bailout of Plus Ultra airlines.

Former Spanish PM Zapatero targeted in corruption probe

The case puts more pressure on the current premier, Pedro Sanchez, who is dogged by corruption probes.

Prosecutors are examining whether the company made “inadequate use” of the public funds the government approved for the bailout, while anti-corruption police are investigating whether the airline used the rescue money to launder funds from Venezuela through France, Switzerland and Spain.