Begoña Gomez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has been formally charged with corruption, following a years-long criminal investigation into charges she and her husband deny.
Judge Juan Carlos Peñado, who has been investigating the case since April 2024, said his investigation had found sufficient indications of criminal conduct by Gomez, according to a ruling made public late Monday.
What do we know about the court’s decision against Gomez?
Gómez is accused of corruption related to the creation and management of a chair at the Complutense University of Madrid, which he co-directed. He is also accused of using public resources and personal relationships to pursue personal interests.
According to Monday’s court ruling, Sanchez’s wife has been formally charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business deals and misappropriation of funds.
“The chair served as a means of personal professional development for the individual under investigation,” the judge wrote.
Whether Gomez faces trial is up to the court.
Sanchez denies allegations amid growing corruption scandal
Spain’s prime minister has denied the allegations against his wife, dismissing them as a right-wing attempt to undermine his government. The case was first sparked by a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group with right-wing ties.
It comes as the prime minister’s brother, David Sanchez, has been indicted in a separate alleged influence peddling investigation into his appointment by a regional governor.
Sanchez’s former right-hand man and former transport minister, Jose Luis Abalos, went on trial earlier this month over alleged bribery involving public contracts.
Opposition parties have asked Sanchez to resign.
Last summer, Sánchez apologized for corruption scandals within his Socialist Party.
Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher