Overview
- Police from the UDEF found 103 pieces of jewelry and watches in a safe at José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s office during a search on May 19.
- Magistrate José Luis Calama issued the court order on June 3 directing a preliminary appraisal to determine each item’s nature, maker marks, likely manufacture date and replacement value.
- The historic jeweler Joyería Ansorena was appointed to perform the valuation under oath and the UDEF must fully document the process to preserve the chain of custody.
- The ordered appraisal is a limited forensic step meant to produce immediate, admissible information and it does not replace a later, more detailed expert pericial valuation that may include additional tests.
- The move advances the Audiencia Nacional’s instruction of the Plus Ultra case and could shape evidentiary decisions and next steps in the probe into the origins and ownership of the seized items.