Sources close to the investigation have confirmed that a cache of jewellery valued at €1.2 million has been unearthed in a Madrid safe deposit box linked to former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. The discovery, made during a routine audit of dormant assets, has triggered a new criminal probe into potential money laundering and undeclared assets.
British anti-corruption experts are monitoring the case closely, given Rajoy's extensive business ties in London. Documents obtained by this paper show that the jewellery, including diamond necklaces and sapphire brooches, was acquired between 2011 and 2018 through a network of shell companies registered in Gibraltar and Panama. Rajoy's lawyers have dismissed the claims as 'baseless speculation' and insist the items were gifts from family members, properly declared.
However, forensic accountants have traced the purchase payments to accounts linked to offshore construction firms with known corruption scandals. The timing is critical: Rajoy is currently lobbying for a senior EU role. Spanish prosecutors are expected to request his testimony next week.
UK authorities have not yet commented, but the National Crime Agency confirmed it is 'reviewing intelligence' related to the case.
