Overview
- Investigating magistrate Juan Carlos Peinado requested a trial referral for Begoña Gómez on a misappropriation charge to be heard by a popular jury.
- He summoned Gómez and former aide Cristina Álvarez for Saturday, September 27, to notify the indictment and formalize the accusations.
- The allegation centers on Álvarez’s appointment at the prime minister’s office, with reports she handled university-related secretarial work beyond protocol duties.
- Peinado’s order opens a second investigatory thread in a probe that since April 2024 has broadened to alleged business corruption, influence peddling, unlawful practice, and use of free university software by a company linked to Gómez.
- In a separate case this week, a judge sent the prime minister’s brother, David Sánchez, to trial for abuse of office and influence peddling, with another ruling now confirming that referral.