Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who is leading the investigation into Begoña Gómez, has taken another step in the case regarding the bailout of Air Europa. He has sent an official request to the Central Operational Unit of the Civil Guard (Unidad Central Operativa, UCO) to determine if there are any new developments that could broaden the scope of the current investigation. This action follows a recent complaint alleging possible involvement of the Prime Minister’s wife in financial operations related to the state rescue of the airline.
Earlier, in November of last year, the Madrid Provincial Court had already limited the possibility of expanding the investigation in this case. At that time, the judges stated that they did not see sufficient grounds to deepen the inquiry into the allocation of €475 million to Air Europa. However, a new document submitted to the court has once again raised concerns about potential hidden accounts and financial ties Begoña Gómez may have to the case.
Legal disputes
In a recent letter addressed to the UCO’s economic division, Judge Peinado requests information on any possible new developments related to the government bailout of the airline. He refers to the need to comply with the previous court ruling, as well as to new information that has been submitted by a private individual. The complaint alleges that the Prime Minister’s wife might have had hidden assets connected to the allocation of funds to Air Europa.
Nevertheless, the judicial panel had previously annulled Peinado’s attempts to broaden the investigation in this direction. The judges noted that earlier decisions were not properly justified and lacked sufficient motivation to expand the scope of the inquiry. Begoña Gómez’s defense maintains that all allegations are based on assumptions and are not supported by concrete evidence.
Figures and details
Since spring 2024, Judge Peinado has been pursuing a case against Begoña Gómez on suspicion of several offenses: influence peddling, business corruption, unlawful appropriation, as well as usurpation of authority and embezzlement. Investigators are focusing on her professional contacts, including an advisor from the government residence and her work at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where she headed a department.
Peinado has repeatedly tried to include in the investigation an episode involving the state bailout of Air Europa, suspecting that Gómez’s relationship with former Globalia CEO Javier Hidalgo might have influenced decision-making. Gómez’s lawyer, former minister Antonio Camacho, emphasizes that the judge is searching for any pretext to expand the case, but his actions lack adequate justification.
New accusations
The judicial panel has repeatedly blocked Peinado’s attempts to deepen the investigation into the Air Europa case. Even in the early stages, when permission was granted to examine the prime minister’s wife’s actions, the court restricted inquiries into the airline rescue, since the original complaint from Manos Limpias contained only speculations and assumptions.
Nevertheless, a new 52-page complaint submitted to the court prompted Peinado to again contact the UCO. The document mentions alleged accounts and bank deposits belonging to Begoña Gómez that may be linked to her involvement in the Air Europa bailout. It points to possible financial transactions in the Dominican Republic and the risk of money laundering, which, according to the complainant, warrants a more thorough judicial investigation.
