Last Thursday, officers from the National Police’s Economic and Financial Crimes Unit searched an industrial building in Petrer, Alicante province. The premises are linked to entrepreneur Julio Martínez Martínez, who was arrested as part of an investigation into Plus Ultra airline and suspicions of laundering funds from Venezuela. That same day, police also searched the airline’s office in Madrid.
Along with Martínez Martínez, Plus Ultra president Julio Martínez Sola, CEO Roberto Rosselli, and a lawyer representing an international law firm were also detained. Investigators believe that Martínez Martínez holds a key role in the alleged money laundering scheme involving funds moved out of Venezuela.
Network of companies
According to investigators, Martínez Martínez is connected to numerous companies registered at the same address in an industrial area on La Carrasqueta street in Alicante. Registry records show he has held executive positions in 50 firms, over twenty of which are still operating. Many of these companies have no employees and are active in various sectors—from real estate management to software development and agribusiness.
Among them are Zenzap S.L., Pickashop, Merida Capital, Zenebtimar, and Agropecuaria Lucena. Additionally, Martínez Martínez serves as the administrator of Voli Analítica, which specializes in air transport brokerage, similar to Plus Ultra. In 2022, this company was legally registered in the city of Vera (Vera), province of Almería, but later its address was changed to the same industrial building in Alicante.
Raids and new suspects
In addition to the warehouse, police searched several apartments linked to Martínez Martínez and his companies. One of the firms, Análisis Relevante S.L., was previously a client of an agency owned by the daughters of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
Investigators note that until recently, Martínez Martínez had remained in the shadows and was not a public figure. His activities are now under close scrutiny due to suspicions of creating a network of companies to conceal real financial operations.
The Venezuelan connection
Judge Esperanza Collazos and the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office suspect a large-scale money laundering scheme involving funds embezzled in Venezuela. Specifically, the investigation focuses on money siphoned from state food distribution programs (CLAP) and proceeds from gold sales by the national bank.
According to investigators, the €53 million in state aid allocated to Plus Ultra in 2021 may have been used to repay loans tied to money laundering. Prosecutor Elena Lorente notes that shortly after receiving the government support, the airline transferred substantial amounts to foreign accounts belonging to companies allegedly part of a criminal network. This may indicate inappropriate use of the state aid, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on March 9, 2021.
Political repercussions
The decision to provide funds to Plus Ultra sparked significant public and political controversy. In 2022, the Vox and Partido Popular (PP) parties, along with the Manos Limpias organization, launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the aid. However, the case was closed due to a procedural error: the judge failed to extend the investigation period, and the Plus Ultra representative was not summoned for questioning. As a result, the investigation was suspended without any final conclusions.
The government justified supporting the airline by citing its strategic importance for Spain’s economy and its ties to Latin America. However, court-appointed experts pointed out that Plus Ultra had been on the verge of bankruptcy since 2019, raising doubts about its eligibility for government aid.
Continuation of the investigation
Since the previous case was handled by Madrid Court No. 15, the new investigation involving the same individuals and circumstances also fell under Judge Collasos. She opened a separate proceeding to examine new incidents related to the activities of Plus Ultra and affiliated companies. All detainees were released under a travel ban, and the investigation remains classified.
