Spain Ex-PM Zapatero Denies Bailout Scheme as Court Hunts His Crypto

Spain’s former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero denied allegations that he orchestrated a corruption and influence-peddling scheme tied to the 2021 Plus Ultra airline bailout. The case centers on a $61.5 million state rescue and includes accusations of money laundering, tax fraud, and smuggling. A judge has also ordered police to trace and seize any Bitcoin and Litecoin linked to Zapatero, signaling that crypto assets may be recovered as part of the broader asset freeze. The article’s market relevance is limited to enforcement and regulatory scrutiny around crypto, but it underscores how courts are increasingly able to target digital assets in high-profile corruption cases. No direct price impact on Bitcoin is indicated, though the news may reinforce perceptions of tighter oversight and seizure risk in Europe.