Peruvian President Dina Boluarte’s brother, Nicanor Boluarte, has been arrested for allegedly participating in a corruption network.
Prosecutors claim that Nicanor Boluarte leveraged powers given by his sister to allocate funds to regional leaders and mayors in return for bribes. He denies any wrongdoing.
Arrest warrants have been issued for 21 others, including President Boluarte’s lawyer, Mateo Castañeda.
This follows the recent raid on President Boluarte’s private residence over an undeclared Rolex watch scandal.
Nicanor Boluarte, 64, is accused of orchestrating a corruption and influence-peddling scheme to appoint officials to government positions across the country.
Prosecutors allege that these appointments were made in exchange for money and an agreement that the officials would help gather signatures to register the Citizens for Peru party, which Nicanor Boluarte would lead, as reported by the Associated Press.
Additionally, prosecutors claim that Mr. Castañeda interfered with the investigation against Nicanor Boluarte.
Mr. Castañeda is currently advising President Boluarte in the “Rolexgate” corruption inquiry, which she also denies.
The arrests of Nicanor Boluarte and Mr. Castañeda, along with the police raids on their homes, were broadcasted on local television.
Peru’s judiciary announced on X, formerly Twitter, that it had ordered the “preliminary detention” of Nicanor Boluarte and others for ten days.
During a public event on Friday, President Boluarte did not mention the arrests but expressed her trust in Peru’s justice system.
“We will not be distracted by minor matters. We believe in justice and the reasonableness of those who administer it. The government will continue to support democracy and respect the constitution,” she stated.
President Boluarte’s tenure has been marked by multiple scandals.
In January 2023, an inquiry was launched into Ms. Boluarte and some key ministers over allegations of “genocide, qualified homicide, and serious injuries” following the deaths of over 50 supporters of ex-President Pedro Castillo during a government crackdown on protests demanding her resignation and new elections.
Pedro Castillo, a left-wing politician, was arrested in December 2022 for attempting to dissolve Congress. He was subsequently dismissed by Parliament and is now imprisoned, facing investigations for alleged corruption and rebellion.
Human rights groups have accused the military and police of using excessive force and firing indiscriminately at protesters.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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