Spanish PM’s Brother Flees to Japan Amid Corruption Charges

David Sánchez obtained a visa to join his family in Japan—just weeks after being indicted for embezzlement and abuse of office. Spain has no extradition treaty with the country.

JAVIER SORIANO / AFP

David Sánchez obtained a visa to join his family in Japan—just weeks after being indicted for embezzlement and abuse of office. Spain has no extradition treaty with the country.

For observers of the Spanish political scene, eyebrows were raised when it transpired that David Sánchez, the millionaire brother of embattled prime minister Pedro Sánchez, would relocate to Japan. News of the move comes within less than two months of David being indicted for corruption, part of an array of legal actions directed at members of the Sánchez family.

As Alfonso C. Suárez noted on X, formerly Twitter:

Spain does not have an extradition agreement with Japan, the country to which David Sánchez will move.

Questioned by the European Commission about this apparent amnesty, the Spanish government responded that “it is legitimate.” Whether or not the move abroad will protect Sánchez from effective punishment in the future, it further adds to the disintegration of his family’s political reputation at home.