Four suspects in the high-profile money laundering case involving the Spanish airline Plus Ultra have been released from custody. The decision was made by the judge presiding over the case in Madrid. Among those released are the company owner Julio Martínez, CEO Roberto Rosell, another entrepreneur with the same name, and a Spanish lawyer. All of them are subject to precautionary measures: their passports have been confiscated and they are required to appear in court twice a month.
The investigation is being led by Madrid’s Criminal Court No. 15. At the center of the probe are suspicions of laundering large sums of money coming from Venezuela. The case concerns funds the company received as state aid in 2021 — when Plus Ultra obtained 53 million euros, having been classified as a strategically important firm for the country.
Investigation Details
The arrests were carried out by the economic police (UDEF) on Thursday. By Saturday, the suspects were brought before the court, where they were charged and questioned. The investigation began after the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office received information from colleagues in France and Switzerland. Authorities in those countries discovered traces of activity by an international group that, according to investigators, was involved in laundering money taken out of Venezuela.
Prosecutors believe the state aid allocated to Plus Ultra was misused. Investigators say the funds may have been transferred to the accounts of foreign companies linked to a criminal organization. The case involves not only Spaniards, but also citizens of Peru, Venezuela, and the Netherlands.
International connections
The case materials mention funds originating from Venezuelan government programs, particularly from the CLAP (Comités Locales de Abastecimiento y Producción) food distribution system. The investigation also refers to proceeds from the sale of gold mined in Venezuela. Authorities believe these funds were moved abroad and laundered through European companies.
Prosecutors claim the scheme operated as follows: after receiving state aid, Plus Ultra quickly transferred significant sums to the accounts of foreign firms, which are allegedly part of an international criminal network. These transactions reportedly took place soon after the state funds were received.
Suspects and charges
The original complaint filed by prosecutors named three Peruvian nationals, two Venezuelans, a Dutch citizen, and a Spanish lawyer. They are all accused of involvement in laundering funds obtained through corruption schemes in Venezuela. According to investigators, the money came from government programs and resource sales, then passed through European banks and companies.
The judge handling the case decided not to keep the suspects in custody, but imposed travel restrictions. They are prohibited from leaving Spain and are required to regularly report to the court. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects face serious charges if found guilty.
