US Homeland Security says it assisted Spain in probe of former PM Zapatero
The US Department of Homeland Security has assisted Spanish authorities in investigating former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for alleged influence peddling and money laundering. The investigation, led by Spain's High Court, focuses on a network that allegedly profited from lobbying for the airline Plus Ultra. Zapatero, who has denied any wrongdoing, remains active in politics and has recently supported Socialist candidates in regional elections.
- ▪The US DHS helped Spanish police in a money-laundering investigation involving former PM Zapatero.
- ▪Zapatero is accused of leading a network that influenced public aid for Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ▪The investigation revealed the use of shell companies and opaque financial channels to conceal funds.
3 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 22 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 1 centre.
- ▪ Former Spanish PM Zapatero targeted in corruption probe — Financial Times — World
- ▪ Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces corruption probe — Al Jazeera English
Straits Times — World files mainly under world. We currently carry 1,307 of its stories.
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US Homeland Security says it assisted Spain in probe of former PM ZapateroSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFILE PHOTO: Police officers carry cases from the office of former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who, according to the country's High Court, is being investigated for alleged influence peddling and related crimes, in Madrid, Spain, May 19, 2026. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura/File PhotoPublished May 20, 2026, 04:24 PMUpdated May 20, 2026, 04:24 PMWASHINGTON/MADRID, May 20 - The United States' Department of Homeland Security assisted Spanish police in a money-laundering probe that led to an investigation by Spain's High Court of former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a DHS spokesperson said.The Spanish court said on Tuesday…
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