Zapatero asks judge and tax agency to suspend inspection amid criminal probe

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has formally requested the suspension of tax inspections opened against him and his wife, Sonsoles Espinosa, arguing that they violate his right to defense and the principle of non bis in idem because a criminal investigation is already underway for the same facts. The requests were sent to both the investigating judge, José Luis Calama, and the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT).

What happened

On June 12, judge Calama opened a separate investigation into jewels worth €1.3 million found in Zapatero's office safe. Three days later, on June 15, the AEAT initiated two inspection procedures covering IVA, wealth tax, solidarity tax, and IRPF for 2021–2024 Source: Infobae. Zapatero's defense argued that the tax inspection started after the criminal probe and overlaps substantially, placing him in a 'constitutionally diabolic alternative': cooperating with tax authorities could be used against him in the criminal case, while refusing could lead to administrative sanctions Source: El Mundo.

• The AEAT itself has asked the judge to order a suspension to avoid duplication, according to multiple reports Source: ABC.
• The government, through Minister Félix Bolaños, stated that the state attorney's appearance in the case is 'normal' and compatible with supporting Zapatero's innocence Source: Infobae.
• Zapatero has not yet provided documentation on the origins of the jewels, which were found in his office safe.

Disagreement

Some outlets emphasize the defense's claim that the AEAT acted 'unilaterally and capriciously' Source: El Español, while others note that the agency itself requested suspension, suggesting a more cautious approach Source: El Confidencial.

What's next

The judge has asked the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office for an opinion on whether to suspend the tax inspection Source: ABC.