Wife of Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez charged with corruption
Begona Gomez, who is on an official visit to China with Sanchez, denies charges including embezzlement and misappropriation of funds
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, has been formally charged with corruption after a years-long criminal investigation, according to a court ruling published on Monday.
The investigation is one of several corruption cases that have embroiled the Socialist leader’s family and former allies, putting pressure on his minority coalition government.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened the investigation in April 2024 to determine whether Gomez had exploited her position as Sanchez’s wife for private gain, which she and the prime minister deny.
The case centres on the creation and management of a chair at Madrid’s Complutense University that was co-directed by Gomez, as well as the alleged use of public resources and personal connections to advance private interests.
Peinado said his investigation had found sufficient indications of criminal conduct by Gomez, 55, according to a ruling dated April 11 that was made public on Monday.
He formally charged Gomez with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds, the ruling added.