Judge Juan Carlos Peinado formally charged Begoña Gómez with four corruption-related offenses following a two-year investigation into whether she exploited her position as the Spanish prime minister's wife for personal gain. The charges include embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds.
The case centers on Gómez's role at Madrid's Complutense University, where she co-directed a master's degree program in business studies after her husband Pedro Sánchez became prime minister in 2018. Prosecutors allege she used public resources and personal connections to advance private interests through the university position.
The chair served as a means of private professional development for the person under investigation
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado — Court ruling
Judge Peinado pointed to Gómez's lack of relevant qualifications for the university post as evidence of potential wrongdoing. The investigation found what the judge described as sufficient indications of criminal conduct, though courts must now decide whether she will face trial.
The corruption probe emerged from a complaint filed by Manos Limpias, an anti-corruption group with far-right connections led by Miguel Bernad. The organization has a history of pursuing unsuccessful lawsuits against Spanish politicians across the political spectrum.
The BBC frames this as part of a broader pattern of corruption scandals undermining Sánchez's coalition government, emphasizing the political pressure and institutional challenges. Their coverage highlights the far-right origins of the complaint while maintaining balanced reporting on the legal proceedings.