Judge Orders Begoña Gómez to Surrender Passport Ahead of Spain Corruption Trial, Report Says

A Spanish judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to surrender her passport in advance of an upcoming corruption trial, according to The Hill, citing multiple outlets. The order was issued on Saturday, as the case moves toward a formal trial phase.

Gómez is accused of using her position to help certain private-sector companies secure government contracts and of misusing public funds, according to the reporting. The judge’s passport-surrender directive is intended to ensure her availability as proceedings progress, while the case is heard.

The case centers on allegations that involve Gómez’s role relative to government contracting and the handling of public resources. The reporting described the matter as an impending trial tied to corruption charges, with the passport order serving as a procedural step ahead of court dates.

The passport surrender requirement is a form of travel restriction used in criminal proceedings in which courts seek to reduce the risk that a defendant could avoid participation in the judicial process. In this instance, the reported order indicates the judge determined that a limitation on movement was appropriate while the matter is pending.

As the trial approaches, the legal timetable will depend on the court’s scheduling and any further procedural actions by the defense or prosecution. The reporting states that Gómez faces trial on the corruption allegations described, while the passport order remains in effect as the case moves forward.

The dispute is likely to continue drawing attention in Spain’s political and legal environment, both because Gómez is closely connected to the prime minister’s household and because the claims relate to government contracting and public spending. Until the trial concludes, the allegations remain subject to the evidentiary standards of the Spanish court process.