Judge Juan Carlos Peinado of Madrid's Court of Instruction No. 41 has formally charged Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, with embezzlement, influence-peddling, business corruption, and misappropriation of a trademark — dropping only a fifth charge of professional intrusion due to insufficient evidence. Two aides were also charged: Gómez's Moncloa (Spain's official prime ministerial residence and government complex) adviser Cristina Álvarez and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés. The case, which began in April 2024 following a complaint by the right-wing legal group Manos Limpias and was later expanded by other conservative organisations, could proceed to trial before a jury, a development Gómez's defence lawyer Antonio Camacho condemned as lacking legal foundation and judicial impartiality.