Peruvian authorities conducted a raid on Saturday at President Dina Boluarte’s residence as part of an ongoing corruption probe involving undisclosed luxury watches.
Approximately 40 officials participated in the operation, aimed at uncovering any Rolex watches that Boluarte may not have publicly disclosed.
The raid, described as a “search and seizure” operation by the police, targeted President Dina Boluarte’s home in connection with undisclosed luxury watches, particularly Rolex timepieces, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation.
About 40 officials participated in the raid, seeking to uncover watches that Boluarte had not publicly declared.
Saturday’s raid, conducted jointly by the police and the prosecutor’s office, was broadcast on the local television channel Latina.
Government agents were observed surrounding the residence in Lima’s Surquillo District, while officers diverted oncoming traffic.
The surprise raid, occurring in the early morning, was initiated at the request of the public prosecutor and sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Preparatory Investigation.
The raid followed Boluarte’s request for an extension to respond to a subpoena requesting proof of purchase for her watches, which was denied by prosecutors.
Boluarte, already grappling with dwindling approval ratings, now faces renewed political turmoil with the commencement of the investigation into potential illegal enrichment during her tenure.
If indicted, any trial proceedings would be deferred until after her term concludes in July 2026, or in the event of impeachment, as outlined by the constitution.
On Saturday, scores of journalists gathered at the president’s residence, yet prosecutors and officials present remained silent in the face of inquiries.
The Peruvian president’s office likewise refrained from offering an immediate response.
The scandal unfolded following a mid-March report by local news outlet “La Encerrona,” which highlighted President Boluarte’s appearance wearing multiple Rolex watches at official functions.
The outlet brought attention to these instances with photographs dating back to December 2022, coinciding with Boluarte’s assumption of office.
The government comptroller subsequently declared its intention to scrutinise Boluarte’s asset declarations over the past two years for any signs of irregularities.
Despite facing mounting scrutiny, Boluarte, aged 61, has vehemently defended herself, stating, “I entered the Government Palace with clean hands, and I will leave it with clean hands,” during a statement made last week.
In response to inquiries regarding how she could afford such pricey timepieces on a public servant’s salary, she attributed their acquisition to her years of hard work since the age of 18.
The attorney and former vice president assumed office as Peru’s first female president after leftist leader Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress and govern by decree, resulting in his swift removal and arrest.
Subsequent violent protests erupted, demanding Boluarte’s resignation and calling for new elections, leading to nearly 50 casualties in the subsequent government crackdown.
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