If cryptocurrencies are found for illicit funds, the case would have international connotations.
The Prosegur company will act as official custodian according to the Ministry of the Interior contract.
The investigation against the former president of the Spanish government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, took a turn towards cryptocurrencies. Judicial authorities have authorized the seizure of bitcoin, litecoin and other digital assets that could be hidden in virtual wallets of those investigated.
This line of research is part of the investigations by alleged crimes of influence peddling, money launderingdocumentary falsification and criminal organization.
The case, known as the Plus Ultra case, revolves around the rescue of 53 million euros granted in 2021 to the airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas by the Government of Pedro Sánchez through the State Society of Industrial Participations (SEPI), a holding company state that manage shares in dozens of public companies and carries out financial support operations for companies in difficulty.
The judge considers that Zapatero He led “a stable and hierarchical structure of influence peddling” aimed at obtaining economic benefits through intermediaries, mainly in favor of this airline company.
According to the court resolution, close to two million euros were received in irregular commissions. Judge José Luis Calama (Central Court of Instruction No. 4) expressly authorized in his resolution of May 18, 2026:
I authorized the seizure of virtual currencies (Bitcoins, Litecoins, etc…) that were found in the possible virtual wallets of those investigated, by transferring them to a virtual wallet created for this purpose by those responsible for the Acting Force, or by changing passwords on cryptocurrency exchange platforms…”
José Luis Calama, magistrate.
In relation to custody, the judge’s resolution says: “To this end, the technical custody of cryptoassets may be carried out through the entity Prosegur Custodia de Activos Digitales, by virtue of contracting file
The operations must be registered in blockchain networks or decentralized networks to guarantee traceability and integrity, as provided. The investigation intensified with the searches on May 20 in the former president’s office and in companies linked to his daughters.
The Central Money Laundering Investigation Brigade of the National Police directs the actions, with international collaboration from US agencies.
Although the discovery of specific cryptocurrencies has not been confirmed, the suspicion of hidden wealth in digital assets has driven this strategy, common in cases of transnational laundering.
Controversy and account blocking measures
The case generates controversy because it directly implicates a former president of the Government. While some sectors see a investigation necessary for signs of corruptionothers question whether it is political persecution. The use of cryptocurrencies adds technical complexity and raises questions about the effectiveness of judicial tools against digital assets.
At this point it is important to report that CriptoNoticias reported on May 11 that Spain was intensifying the training of at least 30 elite agents to track bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
Along with the measures on crypto assets, the procedure includes blocking bank accounts, complete copying or extraction of information of electronic devices, access to emails and telematic repositories. Zapatero has been summoned to testify as a defendant on June 2.
The next few weeks will be key to determining the real scope of this decision. If significant cryptocurrency balances are confirmed, the case could take on an international dimension by requiring cooperation with foreign exchanges and agencies such as the FBI or Europol.
The result of this line of investigation could not only strengthen or weaken the accusations against Zapatero, but also set a precedent for how crypto assets are investigated in future corruption cases in Spain.