Wife of Spanish Prime Minister Formally Charged with Corruption

Begona Gomez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has been formally charged with alleged corruption following a criminal investigation that has lasted for years.

The charges against Gomez, as reported by AFP on Tuesday (14/4/2026), were revealed in a court ruling published on Monday (13/4) local time.

The corruption investigation into this case is one of several that have implicated the family of Prime Minister Sanchez and his former allies, putting pressure on his minority coalition government in the Spanish parliament.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened the investigation in April 2024 to determine whether Gomez had exploited her position as the wife of the Spanish Prime Minister for personal gain. Gomez and Sanchez themselves have denied the allegations.

The case centres on the establishment and management of the highest position at the Complutense University of Madrid, which was jointly led by Gomez, as well as the alleged use of public resources and personal connections to advance private interests.

Judge Peinado stated that the investigation had found sufficient indications of criminal behaviour by the 55-year-old Gomez, according to the ruling dated 11 April and published on Monday (13/4).

Gomez has been officially charged with alleged embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business affairs, and misappropriation of funds.

“That position served as a means of personal professional development for the person under investigation,” said Judge Peinado.

It now depends on the court to decide whether Gomez will face criminal trial or not.

Gomez, who is accompanying Sanchez on an official visit to China, has consistently denied committing any legal violations.

Sanchez has dismissed the allegations against his wife as an attempt by right-wing factions to weaken his government. Opposition parties have called for Sanchez’s resignation.

The case originated from a complaint by an anti-corruption group linked to the extreme right wing. Sanchez’s brother, David Sanchez, has also been charged in a separate investigation related to alleged bribery in regional government recruitment.

The former Transport Minister, Jose Luis Abalos, who was also Sanchez’s former right-hand man, was tried this month over alleged bribery related to public contracts.