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Gomez Charged
Begoña Gomez has been formally charged with corruption after a two-year criminal investigation.
“Begona Gomez has been formally charged with corruption after a years-long criminal investigation”
Judge Peinado said his investigation found sufficient indications of criminal conduct.
She was charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds.
The case centers on the creation and management of a chair at Madrid's Complutense University that Gomez co-directed.
The chair served as a means of private professional development for the person under investigation.
Gomez has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Investigation Details
The investigation focuses on whether Gomez leveraged her relationship with Sanchez to advance her private career.
Peinado laid out 12 milestones supporting the alleged influences.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Manos Limpias, which has ties to the far right.
Sanchez's brother David Sanchez has also been indicted in a separate investigation.
Political Fallout
Sanchez's minority coalition government faces mounting pressure from multiple corruption probes.
“The investigation is one of several corruption cases that have embroiled the Socialist leader’s family”
Opposition parties have called for his resignation.
Sanchez has dismissed the allegations as an attempt by the right wing to undermine his government.
The timing of the charges added to the political drama.
Justice Minister Felix Bolanos warned the harm to the justice system will be irreparable.
Broader Network
The probe into Gomez is part of a wider web of investigations touching Sanchez's inner circle.
His brother David Sanchez has been indicted in a separate investigation.
Sanchez's former transport minister went on trial over alleged kickbacks.
The legal challenges threaten to dominate the final year of Sanchez's term.