Andina

Keiko Fujimori and others face oral trial in Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Lino Chipana

Photo: ANDINA/Lino Chipana

12:13 | Lima, Jul. 1.

Fuerza Popular (Popular Force) leader Keiko Fujimori will face justice today in an oral trial over Caso Cocteles (Cocktails case), which also involves another 45 people linked to the political party, as well as the 2006 and 2011 presidential campaigns of this political organization.

The investigations into this case were initiated in 2014 by the Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group, once it was learned that Fuerza Popular had received undeclared contributions for its campaign, among them from the Odebrecht company.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, these resources were allegedly justified through activities such as cocktail parties in one of which Fuerza Popular claims to have raised over US$1 million for the presidential campaign, and through "pitufeo" (smurfing modality), that is, the splitting of contributions into smaller amounts so as not to raise alerts from authorities.

The Prosecutor's Office —led by Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez— also indicates that Fuerza Popular might have received unregistered contributions in cash from various businesspersons, including Dionisio Romero Paoletti, for its 2011 presidential campaign.

According to the prosecutorial accusation, it is estimated that Fuerza Popular might have improperly received close to S/17 million (US$4.44 million) for both presidential campaigns.

Oral trial

The Prosecutor's Office requested 30 years in prison for Keiko Fujimori, accused of the alleged offenses of money laundering, (being part of a) criminal organization, fraud in administrative procedures, and generic falsehood.

Along with her, another 45 people will face oral proceedings, including her ex-husband Mark Vito Villanella; her advisors Ana Herz, Pier Figari, Vicente Silva; Fuerza Popular managers Jaime Yoshiyama, Jose Chlimper; among others.

Among those charged by the Prosecutor's Office are also Fuerza Popular party (formerly Fuerza 2011) and the MVV Bienes Raices SAC company, owned by Villanella. In the event of a conviction, the dissolution and liquidation of both are requested.

Over 1,000 witnesses

More than 1,000 witnesses and 16 cooperating witnesses will appear to testify at the oral trial.

During the hearings, the Prosecutor's Office must prove the accusations it holds against the accused.
On the other hand, their defense attorneys will be in charge of refuting the charges.

The oral trial, led by the Third National Collegiate Criminal Court, could last about two years.

(END) FHG/CVC/MVB

Published: 7/1/2024