Udef Investigation Reveals Links Between Spanish Politicians and Operations in Venezuela. Udef has discovered records from Zapatero’s alleged confidant detailing transactions with the Venezuelan regime. The documents mention contract percentages and specifics of political operations. The scandal implicates senior officials in Spain.
A new political scandal is brewing in Spain after Udef discovered during a search of Julio Martínez, considered a close confidant of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, records pointing to involvement in commercial and political operations with representatives of the Venezuelan regime. According to police, this involves not only business dealings in oil and gold, but also coordination related to the release of prisoners and the forced relocation of Edmundo González to Spain. Case documents indicate Zapatero’s personal involvement in these processes, with decisions coordinated with the CNI.
The documents seized from Martínez mention percentage commissions from deals—for example, 1% on the contract with Plus Ultra, as well as 10% in the oil business and references to gold trading. In addition, investigators discovered a hundred pieces of jewelry in a safe in Zapatero's office, along with a large sum of cash found in a gym bag at Martínez’s. The case materials also include a photograph of the head of Plus Ultra celebrating the receipt of assistance at a table with oysters and champagne.
The scandal is particularly acute given that the actions of Zapatero and his inner circle, according to investigators, may have yielded economic benefits by influencing strategic decisions of the Venezuelan autocracy. As noted, these decisions have also been publicly supported by the current Sánchez government. According to Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, the situation reflects one of the largest schemes for looting Venezuela.
As part of the Plus Ultra case investigation, which has already raised ethical concerns about Spain's foreign policy, the uncovered documents and material evidence are increasing pressure on the government. As noted by russpain.com, previous political scandals have already led to calls for early elections and criticism of Sánchez — more details can be found in the article on the PNV's reaction to the legal cases surrounding the government: the stance of Basque politicians on the new accusations.
For reference: Udef is a unit of the Spanish National Police specializing in investigating economic and financial crimes. Plus Ultra is a Spanish airline that has been involved in several high-profile cases concerning financial links with Venezuela. In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced criticism for the lack of transparency in certain foreign policy decisions and connections with Latin American regimes. The Martínez and Zapatero scandal could affect the country’s reputation as an international partner and heighten demands for government transparency.
