Else Beekman
Begoña Gómez, former director of the Complutense University of Madrid’s (UCM) Chair of Social Transformation and wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, now faces new charges of professional misconduct and misappropriation. This has been confirmed by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado.
Gómez has been summoned to appear in court on 18 November to respond to these charges related to alleged unauthorised actions with university software.
Allegations of misappropriation and unauthorised involvement
The judge’s latest order notes that Gómez allegedly registered software developed by tech companies under her name. These include Google, Indra, and Telefónica. However, the software was initially created exclusively for the UCM’s Social Transformation Chair. This, according to Peinado, “clearly constitutes misappropriation.” Gómez’s actions, as per the judge, amount to taking control of intellectual property intended for university use. Moreover, this move is seen as exceeding her official duties.
In terms of professional misconduct, Judge Peinado argues that Gómez engaged in tasks reserved for qualified professionals without having the adequate credentials. Specifically, she reportedly drafted technical specifications for a technology platform project within the UCM’s School of Government. Herewith, setting qualification criteria that she herself did not meet. The project aimed to create a digital platform for small and medium-sized enterprises. Tasks like this are usually handled by authorised university staff or experts, not by the program’s co-director.
Expanding investigations and legal recourse
The judge has now integrated these fresh charges into the existing investigation into Gómez, which also examines allegations of business corruption and influence peddling. Additionally, Peinado has requested the National Police to serve Gómez personally at her residence at the Palacio de La Moncloa. Legal representatives for Gómez and the public prosecutor’s office have a three-day window to challenge this ruling or five days to appeal directly to the Madrid Provincial Court.
Also read: Wife of Prime Minister Sánchez summoned again in corruption case