One probe into former Spanish king Juan Carlos to be dropped

One of the three investigations into alleged financial improprieties by former Spanish king Juan Carlos may soon be dropped, according to media reports.

During the investigation of million-dollar accounts in tax haven Jersey, Madrid Supreme Court's public prosecutor found no indications for the initiation of criminal proceedings against the former king, the RTVE state television station and other media reported on Monday, citing a draft report by Alejandro Luzon, the official in charge.

The move must still be approved by Attorney General Dolores Delgado.

The Spanish authorities have opened three investigations into the father of King Felipe VI since 2020. Alongside the Jersey accounts, the investigations concern alleged bribes paid during the construction of a high-speed railway line in Saudi Arabia and allegedly undeclared donations, according to the authorities.

A Mexican business executive is said to have provided Juan Carlos with credit cards, which he is said to have used, for example, to buy a granddaughter a show-jumping horse worth more than €10,000 ($11,400).

To avoid criminal proceedings for tax fraud, Juan Carlos paid more than €5 million in back taxes about a year ago, his lawyer confirmed at the time.

Living in Abu Dhabi

Juan Carlos has been living in exile in Abu Dhabi for more than a year and a half, away from his family and has rarely been seen in public since.

He had secretly left his home country on 3 August 2020, to take the pressure of Felipe in light of the accusations, according to a letter published later.

The Spanish monarchy has refused to comment on his situation in Abu Dhabi.