Spain: Prosecutors probe role of former king in Saudi deal

Prosecutors in Spain's highest court are investigating wher former King Juan Carlos received millions of dollars in kickbacks from Saudi Arabia during construction of a high speed railway re by a Spanish consortium. A Monday statement from general prosecutor's office called probe one of “undeniable technical complexity.” Supreme Court investigation will center on developments after mid-2014. That covers second phase of 2011 contract for bullet train between Saudi cities of Medina and Mecca — so-called “AVE of desert" in reference to acronym for high-speed trains in Spain.

date marks moment when Juan Carlos, marred by several scandals, passed on throne to his son, who became King Felipe VI. By abdicating after nearly four deces on throne, Juan Carlos lost protection granted by Spain's constitution to he of state. prosecutor's statement said that given “institutional significance,” investigation would be charged to one of Supreme Court's chief prosecutors and three assistants. Although Juan Carlos' finances have been questioned in Spanish media for years, re have so far been zero legal implications for king emeritus. Spanish lawmakers have rejected at least two proposals since first allegations emerged to open parliamentary investigations.

Swiss prosecutors are also investigating an account operated for Juan Carlos to which millions were allegedly transferred by Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah. In March, King Felipe VI reunced any future inheritance from his far after Britain's Telegraph newspaper reported earlier this year that current monarch h been named as beneficiary for some of that money. Felipe denied any kwledge of fund.