107 stories found
A Spanish judge has requested an 'exhaustive' report from the Udef on Venezuelan capital invested in Plus Ultra airline and its potential impact on the airline's controversial rescue package.
Judge Calama has rejected a nullity request from Zapatero's defense due to it being filed out of time, and has also summoned executives from Plus Ultra to testify in the ongoing case.
The PP party has dismissed former President Zapatero's explanations as a 'joke,' stating he failed to answer questions regarding the Plus Ultra rescue and the role of his daughters, a sentiment echoed by Vox.
A Spanish court and prosecutor positively assessed the confession of businessman Julio Martínez Martínez and the detailed collaboration writings from Plus Ultra executives, viewing them as a significant step forward in the influence peddling investigation.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is facing scrutiny over allegations that he ordered a 1% commission in the Plus Ultra airline rescue to be disguised through multiple payments. Witnesses claim Zapatero was aware of the government's approval of the rescue in real-time, leading the opposition to link the current government to the scandal.
The president of Plus Ultra airline has confessed to making payments to former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and another individual. He stated these payments were a 'desperate measure' to prevent the airline's collapse.
A payer for former Spanish President Zapatero has reportedly confessed to a judge that the ex-president mediated the state rescue of Plus Ultra airline, with a 1% commission agreed upon.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has demanded that the tax agency, Hacienda, annul or at least halt the "arbitrary" tax inspection opened against him and his wife, pending the 'Plus Ultra case'.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has requested the annulment of the 'Plus Ultra case,' arguing that his fundamental rights have been violated. The case involves a controversial bailout of the airline.
Judge José Luis Calama has summoned 'Julito' Martínez, described as a 'lieutenant' and 'visible figure' in the alleged Plus Ultra plot, to appear on July 21.
The judge overseeing the Plus Ultra case has imputed the daughters of former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero, along with his secretary. This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing investigation.
The judge overseeing the 'Plus Ultra case' is reportedly anticipating requests for nullity from former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero ahead of his declaration next week, and has requested authorization from the United States to use intercepted messages in the trial.
The "Zapatero case," involving Vice President Ribera's role in the Plus Ultra rescue, is causing concern among EU Commission members and weakening Spain's position within the European Union.
The lawyer representing Julio Martínez, an associate of former Prime Minister Zapatero, has resigned from his defense in the Plus Ultra case due to "irreconcilable differences."
The Madrid Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into two prosecutors who were mentioned in conversations related to the 'Plus Ultra case.' This action follows concerns raised about their involvement.
An intercepted Signal chat about Venezuelan money laundering and a 5-ton gold shipment to Dubai, linked to Plus Ultra owner Rodolfo Reyes, reportedly exposed a complex alleged money laundering network involving former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero.
Spanish National Police discovered a safe containing 103 pieces of jewelry and luxury items during a five-hour search of former Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero's office, who is a suspect in the Plus Ultra case.
The Hazte Oír association has requested the judge in the 'Plus Ultra case' to impute the wife and daughters of former Prime Minister Zapatero, and to investigate former ministers who approved the airline's rescue.
A judicial indictment mentions several Venezuelans potentially involved in an alleged influence peddling and money laundering scheme, with former President Rodríguez Zapatero identified as a key figure.
Venezuelan magnates reportedly sought the influence of former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero within the Chavista government, with the network successfully securing authorization for Plus Ultra flights from the Maduro administration.
Police investigating the 'Plus Ultra' case seized a safe from former President Zapatero's office, along with mobile phones and agendas, after initial resistance from his lawyer and secretary regarding access to the safe.
The sale of Plus Ultra to an industrial investor has been paralyzed due to an investigation involving former President Zapatero, with the company now negotiating a payment deferral with SEPI and preparing a new business plan.
The Spanish government is reportedly attempting to ensure the 'purity' of the Plus Ultra airline rescue operation. This effort comes as officials await the disclosure of the investigation summary concerning Zapatero.
“La adjudicación de los préstamos se basa en un marco reglado, donde no cabe la discrecionalidad, ni la arbitrariedad, ni la discriminación”, alega el Ejecutivo
In the Plus Ultra case, one of the accusations has requested a judge to summon former ministers Montero and Escrivá and to withdraw the passport of former Prime Minister Zapatero, also asking police for an urgent report on his trips to Venezuela.
A judge has reportedly linked former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to an alleged influence-peddling network concerning the rescue of Plus Ultra airline. Messages suggest Zapatero pushed for the rescue, with his associates allegedly informing the airline of approval days in advance in exchange for payments.
The STEM Connect 2.0 conference, organized by Plus Ultra, will be held on June 17 in Sarajevo, offering free entry for all students.
A Spanish court has released businessman Luis Felipe Baca, who was detained in connection with a money laundering investigation involving Plus Ultra in Aruba, though he is prohibited from leaving the European Union.
Spain's state holding company, SEPI, has indicated it is open to renegotiating the repayment schedule for the Plus Ultra airline rescue package, due to the company's difficulties in returning 53 million euros in public funds.
WhatsApp conversations between Spanish government officials, including José Luis Ábalos, reveal internal opposition and a desire to reverse the controversial rescue agreement for Plus Ultra airline, citing the state holding company SEPI as "out of control."
An associate of former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero, linked to Plus Ultra, has announced he will not appear before the Senate, citing a "depression" as the reason.
The Spanish Senate has compelled the appearance of a Plus Ultra lobbyist, allegedly a payer of Zapatero, after the Ministry of Interior claimed it could not locate him.
Former Spanish President Zapatero has justified the majority of his income from the Plus Ultra lobbyist as being for 'oral reports' to undisclosed clients, admitting he knew of Plus Ultra's connection to his payer but denying irregularities.
Former Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is scheduled to appear before the Senate, summoned by the Popular Party during an election campaign, to be questioned about the rescue of airline Plus Ultra.
Spain's PP party is requesting a fiscal investigation into payments received by former President Zapatero in the 'Plus Ultra case'. The 450,000 euros he reportedly received from Análisis Relevante are said to closely match the 1% premium Julio Martínez expected for securing the airline's rescue.
Julio Martínez Sola, president of Plus Ultra, affirmed he had 'no doubt' about qualifying for the rescue but denied 'preferential treatment and undue interference,' refusing to testify in the Senate about the company that paid Zapatero.
The Spanish government is defending its decision to rescue the Plus Ultra airline, asserting that the action was taken "according to criteria and legality" amidst scrutiny.
La fiscal del 'caso Plus Ultra' reclama al juez Calama que ordene recabar más datos sobre estos bienes suntuarios. El Ministerio Público sospecha que su valor es superior a 1,3 millones de euros. Leer
Former Spanish President Zapatero has offered explanations in ten statements, defending himself against alleged involvement in the Plus Ultra airline rescue, issues concerning jewelry from his office, and judicial investigations.
Julio Martínez has accused former Prime Minister Zapatero of being the mastermind behind an influence-peddling scheme. The government and PSOE are reportedly assuming the 'risk' of maintaining Zapatero's innocence, while the PP claims confessions in the Plus Ultra case point to Moncloa.
The Deputy Secretary General of the PSOE, María Jesús Montero, reiterated her confidence in former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, despite new testimonies from Julio Martínez and Plus Ultra partners in the Ábalos case, accusing them of changing their versions.
Executives of Plus Ultra have admitted to making a payment, described as a 'kickback,' to former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero to 'save the company.' Martínez has accused Zapatero of leading the rescue effort for Plus Ultra.
The Spanish Vice President, previously Secretary of State and a member of the Solvency Fund's Management Council, denied receiving "political pressure" to approve the bailouts for Air Europa, Plus Ultra, and Tubos Reunidos. She insisted that the companies met requirements based on SEPI and external reports, with the Court of Accounts' endorsement.
The article discusses former Spanish President Zapatero's influence beyond his presidency, highlighting concerns about his lobbying activities and the "suspicious operation" involving the rescue of Plus Ultra.
Judge Calama, investigating the 'Plus Ultra' case, has requested an investigation to identify those responsible for leaking Zapatero's agendas, citing the seriousness of the acts and potential criminal implications.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero has again raised doubts about the validity of evidence and potential rights violations in the 'Plus Ultra case,' citing a lack of traceability for a seized mobile phone belonging to Rodolfo Reyes.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has denied in court that he exerted any influence over the rescue of the airline Plus Ultra. He testified before a judge regarding the controversial bailout.
The UCO claims to have 'been able to verify' how Leire Díez and the former president of Sepi gave an impulse to this aid after the Plus Ultra pause. Read
The summary of the "Plus Ultra case" reveals payments received by former Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero from Chinese Communist Party-linked energy funds and lobbies doing business in Spain over five years.
Sumar, the junior partner in the Spanish government, has broken its silence and is pressing the PSOE for urgent explanations regarding the Plus Ultra and Leire Díez cases, criticizing Ferraz's lack of reaction.
Senegal's former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was elected as the new parliament speaker, defying the president's wishes after his recent dismissal. This development deepens the power struggle within the Senegalese government.
The rescue of Plus Ultra airline and the discovery of jewels in Zapatero's office are weakening Pedro Sánchez's government, with allies now demanding new elections.
Reports claim that Julio Martínez arranged for a 1% commission payment to be channeled through an offshore company in Dubai, allegedly for a straw man linked to Zapatero, in exchange for the rescue of the airline Plus Ultra.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero is confronting new revelations in the Plus Ultra case, with the judge expected to deliver the results of a nineteen-month investigation to the parties involved.
Investigators in the 'Plus Ultra plot' expressed surprise at their alleged success in using former President Zapatero for their aims, as reported by El Mundo.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe González has voiced his profound sadness regarding the implication of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in the Plus Ultra case. González described his feelings as "infinite sadness" concerning the situation.
The judge overseeing the Plus Ultra case, José Luis Calama, is keeping a part of the investigation into other influence peddling activities secret, as he searches for money abroad and analyzes new irregular operations.
The Spanish Ministry of Social Security has approved a certificate for Plus Ultra, stating that being up-to-date on payments is compatible with having recognized debt, despite judicial doubts in the 'Zapatero case'.
Plus Ultra airline has emphasized its readiness to collaborate with the justice system and has called for respect, urging against "partial or decontextualized interpretations" of its situation. The statement comes amidst ongoing legal scrutiny.
La iniciativa, a propuesta del PP, tiene como objetivo aclarar por qué se dieron ayudas a la aerolínea pese a las deudas que tenía con la Seguridad Social
Washington has confirmed its collaboration with Spain in the investigation of Zapatero, with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) extracting information from a mobile device linked to Plus Ultra and providing it to Spanish police.
The United States has decided to permit the Democratic Republic of Congo's football team to enter the country for the World Cup, despite existing Ebola-related travel restrictions. This decision comes as the WHO confirms that the DRC-Uganda Ebola emergency followed international health procedures.
Following his brother's arrest in Aruba, Enrique Baca, one of the Peruvian businessmen under investigation in the Plus Ultra case, has submitted a letter to Judge Calama offering to testify to avoid his own judicial arrest.
Spain's state-owned industrial holding company (SEPI) has exempted the Venezuelan owners of Plus Ultra airline from immediately repaying a 53 million euro rescue loan. This decision was made despite a confidential clause that required repayment upon the exit of shareholders.
En el PSOE esperan que 'Kitchen' y Ábalos eclipsen los mensajes que apuntan a la candidata andaluza, pero reconocen que el "batacazo" es factible Leer
Spain's Popular Party (PP) has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sánchez's plan for the mass regularization of immigrants who move to another country, with Miguel Tellado calling it "complete nonsense" and "irresponsible."
Venezuela's state oil company granted significant debt relief to the Spanish airline Plus Ultra, postponing a 6.1 million euro debt and forgiving interest, following management by an associate of Zapatero, while the oil company itself faced defaults in the US.
The Spanish government has publicly supported former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero following controversial payments he received from a lobbyist connected to Plus Ultra. The government spokesperson defended Zapatero against what she called "unfounded accusations and excessive attacks."
Aprecia una "relación de conchabeo entre Zapatero, Sánchez y el régimen de Maduro" tras las declaraciones del ex presidente en el Senado Leer
Spanish police (UDEF) are conducting investigations in France to uncover the international branches of a complex money laundering network, with the Plus Ultra company at its core.
A judge has decided to send the investigation into the rescue of the Plus Ultra airline back to Spain's National Court due to its complexity and international ramifications.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero and his associate reportedly traveled to Venezuela on Maduro regime planes, while a lobbyist linked to the 'Plus Ultra' case allegedly paid 110,000 euros annually to the Zapatero family for advisory services.
The President and CEO of Plus Ultra airline have resigned from their positions. Their resignations come amidst an ongoing investigation into a controversial loan granted to the airline.
Five unanswered questions remain following former Prime Minister Zapatero's statements regarding the Plus Ultra leak, which three protagonists have confirmed but Zapatero denies authoring. Aagesen has criticized the leak, adding to the controversy.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero defended the Plus Ultra airline rescue, stating gifts were courtesy, while a critic highlighted that privileged information about the rescue should not have been leaked.
A judge is set to launch an exhaustive investigation into the daughters of former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero as part of the Plus Ultra case. This development places Zapatero's family under scrutiny in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Popular Party (PP) has accused the Spanish Treasury of suspicious leniency towards government allies in the Plus Ultra case, specifically regarding former President Zapatero's associate. This comes after an entrepreneur and Plus Ultra executives' confessions reportedly undermined Zapatero's defense strategy, revealing a 1% 'kickback' and a debt deferral with Venezuelan PDVSA.
Julio Martínez, a friend of former Spanish President Zapatero, has admitted that the ex-president provided advisory services for the 53-million-euro rescue of the airline Plus Ultra. Martínez submitted a written statement to the court confirming the payment for Zapatero's work a day before his scheduled testimony.
Spain's Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, has denied any knowledge of irregularities concerning the SEPI rescues of companies like Air Europa and Plus Ultra.
Judicial investigations reveal how COVID funds were allegedly misused for three companies—Plus Ultra, Tubos Reunidos, and Duro Felguera—that were already in crisis before the pandemic, with Duro Felguera now expecting to repay by 2035.
Judge Calama has instructed Madrid courts to investigate the publication of certain information regarding former President Zapatero's conversations related to the Plus Ultra rescue case.
Spanish justice authorities are expanding a corruption investigation around former Prime Minister Zapatero to include his daughters, focusing on state aid provided to the airline Plus Ultra.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has requested more time to gather documentation regarding precious stones he did not declare to the Tax Agency, but confirmed he would respond to questions about the Plus Ultra rescue.
The Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) has experienced a challenging week due to the 'Leire' and 'Plus Ultra' cases, leading to a tense political moment, though not considered a decisive 'knock-out'.
The Popular Party (PP) will lead the popular accusations in the 'Plus Ultra case' against former Prime Minister Zapatero, with the court considering the PP's institutional relevance.
The state-owned industrial holding company SEPI is under scrutiny for allegedly providing 'empty folders' and lacking documentation to the judge investigating the Plus Ultra case.
Plus Ultra airline reportedly paid a 'front man' for former Spanish President Zapatero €6,000 for each political report, with Zapatero acknowledging in the Senate that he provided 'many oral reports' for the company and others.
Former Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has requested to postpone his declaration before the Audiencia Nacional in the Plus Ultra case. His defense cited the extensive amount of information requiring analysis as the reason for the delay.
Investigators have uncovered conversations related to the Plus Ultra plot, detailing payments made to several women, including Jéssica Rodríguez, known as the ex-lover of former minister José Luis Ábalos, with discussions indicating a need to 'take care of judges, police, and officials'.
Confidential documents reveal that the Spanish government gave preference to airline Plus Ultra in a state rescue package, despite over 20 other companies urgently seeking aid simultaneously.
An investigation into the Plus Ultra airline rescue has uncovered allegations of former Prime Minister Zapatero's decisive role in decision-making and attempts to influence the chief prosecutor to halt the process. The probe also revealed that the airline celebrated the rescue with champagne and oysters, expenses not approved by SEPI.
The mediator who facilitated contact between Plus Ultra and Zapatero has also been linked to payments made to the Podemos party. This connection has raised questions within the PSOE, suggesting they are taking the matter seriously.
The wife of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero reportedly shares an account that received 1.5 million euros between 2020 and 2025 from companies involved in the 'Plus Ultra plot'.
Spain's National Court has blocked the bank accounts of former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged influence peddling and money laundering related to the Plus Ultra airline rescue.
El abono de 19 millones de euros correspondientes al préstamo ordinario que debía haberse realizado en marzo se ha aplazado “debido a la subida de costes del queroseno y los cierres de Venezuela”
A judge has indicated that the Plus Ultra airline may not have met the legal criteria required for its rescue, suggesting that the company's accounts might have been 'embellished.' The magistrate also pointed out that reports from SEPI's advisors appeared to be drafted to justify the rescue's approval.
An investigation is underway into the 53 million euro aid granted to Plus Ultra airline by SEPI, as part of a larger 2.7 billion euro program.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is facing a judicial investigation over allegations of graft and influence-peddling. The former leader has declared his innocence, stating he always acted with respect for legality.
A United Airlines plane, carrying 231 passengers and crew, struck a truck and a lamppost on a highway while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport. The incident occurred before the aircraft landed, narrowly avoiding a major disaster.
The wife of the Spanish Prime Minister has been charged with influence peddling, leading to a significant political development in Spain.
Minutes from a meeting of high-ranking officials from four Spanish ministries detail the 'lively debate' that led to the channeling of a €53 million state rescue package for Plus Ultra airline, notably without the presence of the Transport Ministry.
A Spanish court has issued an arrest warrant for a crucial businessman involved in the Plus Ultra airline's money laundering operations in Aruba.
Spain's Partido Popular (PP) is actively pushing for Julio Martínez, a figure linked to former Prime Minister Zapatero, to appear before the Senate's Koldo Case investigation commission on April 9, citing his potential role in the government's rescue of Plus Ultra airline.
The Spanish National Court has taken over the investigation into the controversial rescue of the Plus Ultra airline, with Judge Calama accepting the case after a Madrid court recused itself.
Former Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has vehemently denied any involvement in the rescue of Plus Ultra, calling accusations of a 'tip-off' to Julio Martínez 'perverse and shameful.'
The flight of this seaplane was the first air link between Spain and South America carried out by Spanish aviators.
A judge has decided to transfer the Plus Ultra case to the Audiencia Nacional, citing a 'new dimension' to the investigation, including suspicions of money laundering and an 'organized criminal organization' benefiting from the airline's rescue.