Overview
- Judge Antonio Piña opened diligencias previas after concluding the allegations show characteristics that could suggest a criminal offense.
- The court limited action to essential fact-finding measures and has not opened a formal investigation into the former prime minister.
- The complaint by activist group Hazte Oír alleges José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero helped bolster the so-called cartel de los Soles tied to Nicolás Maduro.
- Complainants rely on an updated U.S. indictment in New York against Maduro, Cilia Flores and others as supporting material for their filing.
- The filing references potential offenses including drug trafficking, money laundering and participation in a criminal organization.