Social Democrat Zapatero, who governed Spain from 2004 to 2011, has been under investigation since May on suspicion of using his influence for his own benefit to help the airline Plus Ultra secure a bailout package after the pandemic.
During a search of Zapatero's office, police found jewelry worth at least 1.3 million euros. The find has now led to new accusations, as it is unclear whether customs duties were paid on the imported jewelry.
The accusations against Zapatero represent another setback for the Socialist Party of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which has been rocked by several corruption scandals.
