Madrid Court Probes Former Prime Minister’s Possible Influence on Plus Ultra Bailout. A judicial investigation in Spain has uncovered an alleged network of influence surrounding the bailout of airline Plus Ultra. At the center are the earnings of the former prime minister and possible pressure on state entities. The legitimacy of the funds received is under scrutiny.
A high-profile investigation is unfolding in Spain: a Madrid court has published documents shedding light on the possible influence of the country’s former prime minister on the process of rescuing the airline Plus Ultra. The 85-page court order describes a complex structure allegedly created to sway the decisions of Spanish and Venezuelan public bodies involved in granting aid to the carrier, which suffered losses due to the pandemic.
According to the court, a multi-level circle of trusted individuals and companies was built around the ex-prime minister. Through them, it is alleged, influence was exerted on employees of the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI), responsible for distributing state support, as well as on representatives of the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Institute, whose approvals were crucial for Plus Ultra flights.
The investigation notes that part of the income received by the former head of government was officially declared as consulting fees—both through his own company and through a structure owned by his daughters. However, according to the court, these services may have served merely as a formal cover to legalize funds obtained for influencing decisions of state bodies. The case files also reference money flows through offshore structures in Dubai, which investigators believe points to an attempt to conceal the true origin of the funds.
Particular attention is paid to intercepted conversations between participants in the scheme. In one episode, a key figure informed Plus Ultra representatives in advance about the upcoming approval of state aid, even before the government made an official decision. If this information is confirmed, the court may classify these actions as a crime under Article 429 of the Spanish Penal Code—'influence peddling,' for which mere attempts to exert pressure on officials for economic benefit are sufficient for prosecution.
If proven, this case may involve the laundering of criminal proceeds, as well as corruption in international economic activities, should it be established that benefits were given to Venezuelan officials. As noted by russpain.com, similar schemes involving former politicians and their advisory companies are becoming increasingly visible in Spain, raising concerns about transparency and oversight of former officials' activities.
In context, it is worth recalling that the role of the media in covering such topics remains crucial: for example, at a recent event in Seville, the importance of independent journalism for the region was discussed. More details can be found in the article on the anniversary of EL PAÍS at the Feria de Abril.
For reference: Plus Ultra is a Spanish airline that received government support during the pandemic. SEPI is a state agency that manages government stakes in strategic companies. In recent years, Spain has tightened requirements for the transparency of former politicians' income, but cases involving 'consulting' schemes continue to spark public debate and investigations.
