MADRID, April 14 (V7N) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, has been formally charged with corruption following a two‑year criminal investigation, according to a court ruling published Monday.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened the probe in April 2024 to determine whether Gomez had exploited her position as Sanchez’s spouse for private gain. The case centers on her role in the creation and management of a chair at Madrid’s Complutense University, as well as alleged use of public resources and personal connections to advance private interests.

In a ruling dated April 11, Peinado said his investigation found sufficient indications of criminal conduct. Gomez, 55, was formally charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds. “The chair served as a means of private professional development for the person under investigation,” the judge wrote.

It is now up to the courts to decide whether Gomez will stand trial. She is currently on an official visit to China with Sanchez and has consistently denied wrongdoing. Sanchez has dismissed the allegations as a right‑wing attempt to undermine his minority coalition government.
Wider corruption probes

The case originated from a complaint filed by an anti‑corruption group with far‑right ties. Sanchez’s family and allies have faced multiple corruption investigations:

His brother David Sanchez has been indicted in a separate probe into alleged influence peddling tied to his hiring by a regional government.

Former transport minister and Sanchez’s ex‑right‑hand man Jose Luis Abalos went on trial this month over alleged kickbacks linked to public contracts.

Political fallout

Opposition parties have called for Sanchez’s resignation, arguing the charges against his wife and allies undermine the credibility of his government. Sanchez has rejected these demands, insisting the allegations are politically motivated.
Context

Spain has faced repeated corruption scandals across political parties in recent decades, fueling public distrust in institutions. The formal charges against Gomez add fresh pressure on Sanchez’s fragile coalition, which already struggles to maintain parliamentary support.

END/WD/RH/