In a shocking turn of events, government agents conducted a raid at the residence of Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. Televised images of the raid showed investigative team members breaking into the president’s residence using a sledgehammer. This raid was authorized by the judiciary at the request of the attorney general’s office, indicating a serious investigation is underway.
The investigation revolves around President Boluarte’s possession of luxury watches, which she failed to disclose since coming to power in July 2021 as vice president and Social Inclusion minister, and later assuming the presidency in December 2022. Initially, Boluarte claimed ownership of at least one Rolex watch, which she said was acquired through personal gains since she was 18 years old. She urged the media not to delve into personal matters, but her recent statements have raised eyebrows and fueled a political crisis.
Attorney General Juan Villena criticized Boluarte’s request to delay her appearance before the court for two weeks, emphasizing her obligation to cooperate with the investigation. The Attorney General also stressed the importance of promptly producing the three Rolex watches for investigation, warning against any attempts to dispose of or destroy them.
Peru has a history of political turmoil, with six presidents in the last five years. Boluarte’s unexplained ownership of luxury watches has further exacerbated the situation. Many people see her recent statements as contradicting her earlier pledge to speak truthfully to prosecutors, raising concerns about her credibility.
President Boluarte, a 61-year-old lawyer, rose from a modest district official to vice president under President Pedro Castillo in July 2021. She assumed the presidency in December 2022 following Castillo’s impeachment after his attempt to dissolve congress and rule by decree. The aftermath of Castillo’s impeachment saw violent protests resulting in the deaths of at least 49 people.
Critics are accusing Boluarte’s government of adopting an increasingly authoritarian approach as it tries to resist calls for early elections and collaborates with members of congress on laws that threaten the independence of Peru’s judicial system.
The raid at President Boluarte’s residence and the ongoing investigation into her ownership of luxury watches have plunged Peru into a deep political crisis. The country is anxiously waiting for answers and hoping for a resolution that upholds transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Only time will tell how this scandal unfolds and what impact it will have on the future of Peruvian politics.
