Spain is tightening control over the use of public funds after the Plus Ultra case returned to the National Court. The decision comes amid suspicions of misappropriation of 53 million euros allocated to the airline as part of post-pandemic crisis support. For many citizens, this case has become a symbol of how state money can be misused, with the consequences of such incidents poised to change the way aid is distributed.
According to El Pais, the investigation began after the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office received international legal assistance requests from France and Switzerland in 2024. Authorities in both countries were carrying out their own checks related to a possible money laundering scheme involving real estate assets in Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Tenerife, and Mallorca. European investigators suspected that some of the funds might be connected to Venezuelan entities operating in Spain.
A turning point in the investigation
After obtaining new evidence, Spanish prosecutors found signs that Plus Ultra may have misused state funds. As a result, a complaint was filed with the National Court, which originally handled the case. However, the court later transferred the materials to a Madrid court, considering that the investigation was beyond its jurisdiction.
Recently, following a series of new investigative actions—including searches at the airline’s office and the arrest of company president Julio Martínez, as well as CEO Roberto Roselli—the case returned to the National Court. Investigators believe the scale and complexity of the matter require consideration at a higher level.
International aspect
International requests from France and Switzerland have played a crucial role in the development of events. These requests helped uncover potential links between Spanish and foreign entities, adding urgency to the investigation. Searches were conducted in several regions of the country, and new details related to the alleged money laundering scheme came to light.
While the investigation remains under wraps, it is known that investigators are interested not only in financial flows, but also in the connections between Plus Ultra’s management and prominent politicians. For instance, the arrested company president is considered a close friend of former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
Context and consequences
Scandals involving the use of public funds are not uncommon in Spain. Recently, the country’s Supreme Court found itself at the center of a controversy over the recovery of almost 80,000 euros in legal costs, which sparked widespread public reaction and debate over new approaches to expense oversight — read more in our story about the controversial Supreme Court ruling on legal expenses.
In recent years, Spain has tightened control over the allocation of state aid and the investigation of corruption schemes. Such cases often become the subject of public debate and lead to a review of funding allocation rules. The surge in interest in transparency and accountability in government spending is evident not only among politicians but also among ordinary citizens. As a result of these investigations, not only legislation but also public attitudes toward financial discipline are changing.
