MADRID — Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to surrender her passport and barred her from traveling abroad. The judge also mandated that Gómez appear before the court twice each month until a verdict is reached in her case. She faces charges of embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds.

Judge Peinado formally charged Gómez in April. The court issued instructions to all border posts and civilian and military airports to ensure compliance with the travel ban. Precautionary measures were also imposed on Cristina Álvarez, an adviser at the Moncloa Palace. The case centers on the creation and management of a chair at Madrid's Complutense University, which Gómez co-directed, and involves allegations of using public resources and personal connections for private interests. Judge Peinado wrote that the chair served as a means of private professional development for Gómez.

Gómez has denied any wrongdoing, and her defense teams have requested the case be dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The Public Prosecutor's Office also asked for the case to be dismissed, arguing there is insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. Businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés is also a defendant in the case, but he is not subject to travel restrictions.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has dismissed the allegations against his wife. He rejected opposition calls to step down or to call early elections, characterizing the claims as an attempt by the political right wing to undermine his government. The Socialist Party has stated that Gómez is innocent. The case originated from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group with far-right ties. No trial date has been set.