Spain opens new probe into ex-PM Zapatero over jewellery found in office

MADRID, June 12 (Reuters) - ‌A Spanish High ​Court ​judge investigating former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for suspected corruption has opened a ‌separate probe over jewellery found during a search ⁠of his office, the court said on Friday.

Zapatero, prime minister from ‌2004 to 2011, remains ‌a leading figure in the main ruling Socialist Party and the graft allegations - which he has denied - have ​added to pressure on the government following a series of corruption scandals.

Investigating judge Jose Luis Calama said ⁠the jewellery items seized during the May 19 search, provisionally valued at ​about €1.3 million ($1.5 million), currently lack documented proof of origin.

He said the possession of high-value assets ​without clear fiscal traceability could indicate ‌possible tax evasion or smuggling offences, citing the absence of customs documents or evidence ⁠that import duties had been paid.

Zapatero's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier on Friday, his ⁠spokesperson, Luis Arroyo, said in a post on X that Zapatero ​would address the jewellery matter before the judge.

Zapatero is due to testify on June 17 and June 18 in the corruption ‌case, which centres on an influence-peddling and money-laundering network that he allegedly led.

The network is ‌suspected of having profited from lobbying public authorities on ⁠behalf of third parties - ‌mainly Spanish airline ​Plus Ultra, which received a state bailout in 2021.

($1 = 0.8639 euros)

(Reporting by Emma Pinedo;Editing by Helen ‌Popper)

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