Zapatero and his daughters allegedly used a non-profit entity to divert €524,000 into their accounts

The alleged use by **José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero** and his daughters, **Laura** and **Alba Rodríguez Espinosa**, of a non-profit entity to divert funds totaling at least **€524,707** into their bank accounts is under investigation.

## The Entity Under Scrutiny

A partnership established in October 2021, named **The Global Analysis & Trends in Emerging Regions Center (Gate Center)**, is being investigated by the National Police's Unit of Economic and Tax Crime (UDEF). The objective is to trace the origin of funds that were allegedly diverted into the bank accounts of **José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero** and his daughters, **Laura** and **Alba Rodríguez Espinosa**. The total amount of these diversions is estimated, according to information gathered, to be a minimum of **€524,707**.

## An Advantageous Corporate Vehicle

The entity, created as an association, benefits from a particularly favorable tax regime, as it is exempt from VAT and Corporate Tax. Furthermore, its legal structure allows for greater opacity compared to traditional commercial companies, as it is not obligated to make its accounts public. Although **Zapatero** was not formally listed on the board, he attended the association's presentation ceremony in April 2022. According to documents reviewed, the management of this corporate vehicle was handled by three individuals close to the former president.