Plus Ultra Case Included Discussion of Attempts to Influence the Investigation. Correspondence among those involved in the Plus Ultra case discussed ways to delay the investigation. The materials include references to contacts with representatives of the court and the prosecutor's office. The issue concerns the allocation of 53 million euros.
New details have emerged in Madrid regarding the case of the €53 million in state support granted to the airline Plus Ultra. According to EL PAÍS, the investigation materials feature messages discussing possible ways to influence the course of the legal proceedings. Notably, a lawyer linked to the company’s management suggested organizing an informal discussion of the situation, using the phrase “Hay que hacer un Kitchen Gabinet”—a reference to the well-known operation for gathering compromising material in Spain.
According to a police report, lawyer Miguel Palomero, in correspondence with Plus Ultra owner Rodolfo Reyes, discussed details of the investigation launched in 2021 into the allocation of the large subsidy. In one message, Palomero indicated that he intended to find out more about the judge handling the case and emphasized the importance of monitoring the investigation. The correspondence also mentioned that the “fiscal jefa” was allegedly a “friend,” which may indicate attempts to use personal connections to influence the process.
The owner of Plus Ultra supported the lawyer’s idea, agreeing that it was necessary to “cortar esto” and suggesting contacting someone named “Julio,” without clarifying whether he was referring to the company’s vice president. All this correspondence became part of the materials submitted to the court and formed the basis for new episodes in the investigation. According to EL PAÍS, the discussion of informal methods to influence the investigation has drawn further interest from investigators.
The context of the Plus Ultra case remains at the center of attention in the Spanish media and judicial circles. Earlier, a judge from the Audiencia Nacional sent a request to the US regarding the overseas accounts of those implicated, highlighting the international scope of the investigation. More details about the suspects' foreign assets can be found in the article about Judge Calama's request to the American authorities. The case itself is related to the support provided to the airline during the pandemic, when the state allocated funds to ensure continued transport accessibility. Issues regarding the transparency of subsidy distribution and possible abuses remain a matter of public and legal interest.
For reference: Operation “Kitchen,” which is mentioned in the correspondence, was one of the most high-profile operations in modern Spanish history and concerned attempts at the illegal collection of information about the former treasurer of the People’s Party. The mention of this scheme in the context of the Plus Ultra case highlights the sensitivity and complexity of the current investigation.
