Collars of more than 200,000 euros and earrings of 80,000 euros: the value of Zapatero's jewelry

Barcelona / MadridZapatero's jewels have been making headlines for days and, since this Friday, they are the subject of a new separate piece in the Plus Ultra case at the National Court. Judge José Luis Calama has agreed to also investigate the former Spanish president for the possession of these valuable objects because he considers that there are indications of alleged tax and smuggling offenses.there are indications of alleged tax and smuggling offenses. The basis for his decision is the preliminary appraisal of the jewels – located in the office of the former PSOE leader – which have been valued at 1,323,915 euros. The appraisal report, to which ARA has had access, analyzes the estimated market price (including taxes) of up to 79 pieces of jewelry, among which stand out necklaces worth more than 220,000 euros and earrings worth 80,000.

The appraisal of the pieces, commissioned by the judge himself and carried out between June 8 and 9 by the Ansorena jewelry store in Madrid, has as its most expensive item an 18-carat white gold necklace, with diamonds and of Zambian origin, which the appraisers value at 278,000 euros. It is followed by two similar necklaces, one of Thai origin and the other with rubies, which are valued at 220,000 and 155,000 euros, respectively. Among the most expensive items, there is also a bracelet with rubies for 95,000 euros, a ring with an emerald for 85,000 euros, and earrings also decorated with emeralds for 80,000 euros. All three items are made of white gold and are again of Zambian origin.

Other analyzed jewels, of lower but still high value, include a bracelet with Dutch diamonds appraised at 11,000 euros, watches ranging from 150 to 6,000 euros, and more necklaces ranging from 400 to 4,000 euros. However, there is also a dozen pearl necklaces, earrings, and even cufflinks with no value, most of them described as "imitation." The lowest-value piece is a silver ring for 25 euros.

The value of the jewelry had been an unknown until this Thursday, when the report became known. In fact, Zapatero's spokesperson, Luis Arroyo, had even said that they cost between 30,000 and 50,000 euros, a price much lower than what Ansorena's appraisal has concluded. Arroyo, in fact, apologized for his statements this Friday. Be that as it may, the high value of the objects seized by the police, as well as the lack of fiscal traceability of their acquisition, lead the judge to believe that there may have been a "relevant tax fraud" or even the introduction of the jewelry into the European Union "evading controls and fiscal obligations required," and this would constitute a crime of smuggling.

at the end of May. The former president will have to provide the details El matí de Catalunya Ràdio at the end of May. The former president will have to provide the details on June 17 and 18 before the judge at the National Court.