A Madrid judge has formally charged Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, with embezzlement, influence peddling, business corruption, and misappropriation of a trademark, dropping a fifth charge of professional intrusion for lack of sufficient evidence. The case, which began in April 2024 following a complaint by the advocacy group Manos Limpias, also names Gómez's Moncloa adviser Cristina Álvarez and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés. Separately, Spain's Supreme Court is hearing the so-called 'Koldo case', in which former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and associates stand accused of taking bribes — including a coastal villa and cash payments — in exchange for hydrocarbon operating licences and pandemic-era mask contracts, with several witnesses this week invoking their right to silence due to parallel proceedings.