Probe is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged campaign finance crimes committed during the 2021 presidential race in Peru.
Peruvian prosecutors are investigating President Dina Boluarte and former President Pedro Castillo for allegedly laundering money as part of a criminal organization.
The investigation into Boluarte and Castillo’s alleged crimes is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged campaign finance crimes committed during Peru’s 2021 presidential race.
Tuesday’s announcement from the attorney general’s office comes after a former adviser to Castillo told local media that he had funded part of Castillo’s 2021 presidential campaign, as well as trips for Boluarte when she ran. to be Vice President of Castillo.
“The alleged commission of these crimes allegedly took place during Free Peru’s election campaign,” the attorney general’s office said, referring to the Marxist party that led Castillo to the presidency of the Andean country.
Over the weekend, Boluarte denied receiving illegal campaign contributions and said the corruption charges were a “political maneuver” aimed at undermining his government.
Political crisis
Castillo was removed from office in December after trying to dissolve Congress ahead of an impeachment vote. Boluarte ascended to the presidency following his impeachment and arrest.
Since then, Peru has been plunged into a political crisis. Boluarte took over the presidency but faced calls to resign from protesters also demanding new elections.
Boluarte is also under investigation for his alleged role in the deaths of protesters killed in clashes with security forces in the months after he took office.
Forty-nine civilians and seven members of the security forces have died in clashes since the protests began in December, according to the ombudsman’s office.
Even if Boluarte faces a concrete charge, as president she could not face a court until her term ends in 2026.
Boluarte is Peru’s sixth president since March 2018 and the first woman to hold the post.
The prosecutors’ announcement comes shortly before Congress, controlled by the right but now an ally of Boluarte, debates on Thursday whether to admit a motion to impeach the president.
