World

Peru’s President Faces Bribery Allegations in Rolexgate Scandal

Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 28, 2024

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Peru’s Attorney General, Juan Carlos Villena, has accused President Dina Boluarte of accepting bribes in the form of Rolex watches, marking a significant development in a corruption scandal that has deeply unsettled her government.

Villena’s accusation stems from allegations that Boluarte received luxury items, specifically Rolex watches, from a regional governor, which he argues constitutes bribery.

The Attorney General’s office made a statement on X, formerly Twitter, announcing the filing of a constitutional complaint against Boluarte for her suspected involvement in passive corruption.

The scandal initially erupted when a cache of undeclared luxury Rolex watches and jewelry was discovered in the possession of the president back in March.

In her defense, Boluarte claimed last month that the Rolex watches were loaned to her by a friend, the regional governor of Ayacucho, Wilfredo Oscorima. Nevertheless, she remains under investigation for potential involvement in passive corruption, a charge related to accepting improper benefits from public officials.

While the attorney general’s accusation has been presented to Congress, it does not amount to an indictment due to the president’s immunity from prosecution while in office.

Responding to the accusations, Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen criticized the move, characterizing it as persecution against Boluarte. He labeled it as an attempt to target the president through improper and unconstitutional means.

Now, a congressional committee will need to deliberate on the accusation before it goes before the entire chamber. Ultimately, the decision on whether to proceed with a trial against Boluarte would fall to the courts, but only after her term concludes in July 2026.

With an approval rating as low as 12 percent according to an Ipsos poll, Boluarte faces a challenging political landscape. She lacks a party affiliation or significant support in Congress, making it crucial for her to garner backing from conservative factions.

Peru has long grappled with political instability, witnessing six presidents in just eight years. Boluarte assumed office in December 2022, succeeding left-wing president Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and incarcerated after a failed attempt to dissolve Congress. Notably, Boluarte served as Castillo’s vice president before assuming the presidency.

Adding to the tumult, in 2023, prosecutors initiated an investigation into Boluarte for alleged involvement in crimes such as genocide, homicide, and serious injuries. These charges stem from a crackdown on protests where more than 50 demonstrators lost their lives while demanding Boluarte’s resignation and fresh elections.