Peru’s President, Dina Boluarte, Accused of Accepting Rolex Bribes

Joy ChukwuMay 28, 20241 Mins read298

Peru’s attorney general, Juan Carlos Villena, has accused President Dina Boluarte of accepting bribes in the form of Rolex watches. Villena stated that Boluarte’s acceptance of luxury items from a governor constituted bribes.

Villena “filed a constitutional complaint against Dina Boluarte for suspected passive corruption,” his office announced on X, formerly Twitter.

The scandal began in March when undeclared luxury Rolex watches and jewellery were found in Boluarte’s possession.

Last month, Boluarte told prosecutors that the Rolex watches had been loaned by a friend, Wilfredo Oscorima, the regional governor of Ayacucho. She is under investigation for “passive corruption” for allegedly receiving improper benefits from public officials.

The attorney general’s accusation, presented to Congress, does not constitute an indictment because the president has immunity while in office.

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen criticised the accusation as “persecution” of Boluarte.

“This is just an example of systematic fiscal persecution against the president that is improper, unconstitutional, and illegal,” Adrianzen said on Canal N television.

A congressional committee will now debate the accusation before the entire chamber discusses it. Ultimately, the courts would decide whether to put her on trial after her term ends in July 2026.

According to an Ipsos poll, Boluarte’s approval rating is 12%. She does not lead a party in Congress, so she must seek support from conservatives.

Peru has faced chronic political instability, with six presidents in the past eight years.

Boluarte assumed office in December 2022, replacing left-wing president Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned for attempting to dissolve Congress. She was his vice president.

In 2023, prosecutors opened an investigation accusing her of “genocide, homicide, and serious injuries” for the deaths of more than 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations demanding her resignation and new elections.

Source: AFP

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