**Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero remains under judicial investigation at the Audiencia Nacional’s Central Investigative Court No. 4, led by Judge José Luis Calama, primarily over alleged influence peddling, criminal organization, and document forgery tied to the 2021 €53 million public bailout of airline Plus Ultra.** The probe, opened after 2025 police operations, has expanded to include €200,000 in payments linked to his Bolivia-related consulting, luxury jewelry seized from his office (prompting separate tax and smuggling inquiries), and flows involving family companies. Zapatero testified in June 2026 and denies wrongdoing; his daughters face a November 30 summons. As of mid-October 2026, the case stays in the preliminary investigative phase with no charges formalized for trial and no detention ordered, though prosecutors continue pressing for additional statements and expert valuations. Spanish judicial timelines for complex corruption matters often extend years before resolution.