Madrid, Spain – Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been formally charged with four corruption-related offenses, including influence peddling, business corruption, embezzlement, and misappropriation of funds. The decision by Madrid investigating Judge Juan Carlos Peinado follows a two-year criminal investigation, with the judge proposing that Gómez stand trial. The charges stem from allegations that Gómez exploited her position to influence public contracts and secure university sponsorships.
The investigation commenced in April 2024 after a complaint was filed by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), an anti-corruption group with reported ties to the far-right. The case primarily centers on Gómez's role in the creation and management of a chair at Madrid's Complutense University, which she co-directed. Judge Peinado's ruling suggests that this academic initiative served as a means for Gómez's "private professional development," leveraging her "relational position" as the Prime Minister's wife.
According to court documents, the judge alleged that Gómez mobilized private funds not for the public university chair, which he described as a façade, but to integrate them into her personal assets, also referring to "hidden compensation" linked to companies associated with public contract promises. The embezzlement accusation concerns the registration and use by Gómez of software developed within the university chair. Furthermore, the misappropriation charge relates to her aide, Cristina Álvarez, who was employed by the Spanish government and paid with public funds but allegedly provided services to Gómez for her private professional activities.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has consistently dismissed the allegations against his wife as an attempt by the right-wing to undermine his government. In April 2024, when the investigation began, Sánchez took a five-day "period of reflection" to consider resigning over the accusations before ultimately deciding to remain in office. Gómez, who has been on an official visit to China with her husband, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The indictment marks a significant setback for Sánchez's Socialist-led minority government, which has faced a series of high-profile corruption scandals involving former allies and family members. Judge Peinado has also indicted Cristina Álvarez, a former advisor in Sánchez’s office, and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés for influence peddling and corruption in connection with the case. The courts will now determine whether Gómez will stand trial, with her defense team and the Public Prosecutor’s Office granted five days to respond to the charges.
