UDEF targets Zapatero and six former ministers
Spain's UDEF financial crime unit is investigating Zapatero and six former ministers over a global influence network. The names: Sebastián, Bono, Moratinos, Blanco, Álvarez and Corredor.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
UDEF tightens the noose around Zapatero: six former ministers implicated in the Plus Ultra affair
The Plus Ultra case keeps uncovering new branches. Spain's Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) has closed in on former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, whom it accuses of running a network of frontmen for influence peddling in Spain, South America, China and Africa. According to the investigation, six of his former ministers took part in that network to a greater or lesser degree: Miguel Sebastián, José Bono, Miguel Ángel Sarracena, José Blanco, Magdalena Álvarez and Beatriz Corredor.
The club of implicated former ministers
The names are no coincidence. Almost all of them have engaged in business ventures or consultancy work since leaving government. The UDEF is investigating whether they used their contacts to facilitate deals in exchange for kickbacks. The case, which began with the bailout of the airline Plus Ultra, has steadily widened to cover alleged commissions on several continents. So far there are no formal charges, but the judicial net is tightening.
The reaction in public debate was not long in coming. While some point out that José Bono's wealth «sticks out like a sore thumb», others recall having warned for years about the unexplained enrichment of certain former leaders. Ironies aside, the fact is the investigation is moving forward at a time when the credibility of the political class is at rock bottom.
This affair has reignited scepticism about the business dealings of the old guard of Spain's Socialist Party. It remains to be seen whether the UDEF can take to court what are, for now, only suspicions.
Related discussions in the forum
The Plus Ultra case keeps uncovering new branches. Spain's Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) has closed in on former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, whom it accuses of running a network of frontmen for influence peddling in Spain, South America, China and Africa. According to the investigation, six of his former ministers took part in that network to a greater or lesser degree: Miguel Sebastián, José Bono, Miguel Ángel Sarracena, José Blanco, Magdalena Álvarez and Beatriz Corredor.
The club of implicated former ministers
The names are no coincidence. Almost all of them have engaged in business ventures or consultancy work since leaving government. The UDEF is investigating whether they used their contacts to facilitate deals in exchange for kickbacks. The case, which began with the bailout of the airline Plus Ultra, has steadily widened to cover alleged commissions on several continents. So far there are no formal charges, but the judicial net is tightening.
The reaction in public debate was not long in coming. While some point out that José Bono's wealth «sticks out like a sore thumb», others recall having warned for years about the unexplained enrichment of certain former leaders. Ironies aside, the fact is the investigation is moving forward at a time when the credibility of the political class is at rock bottom.
This affair has reignited scepticism about the business dealings of the old guard of Spain's Socialist Party. It remains to be seen whether the UDEF can take to court what are, for now, only suspicions.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (7 replies).
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