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Peru: Judiciary keeps Kuczynski under house arrest

11:42 | Lima, Aug. 23.

The Judiciary on Friday denied the Public Ministry's request to change the house arrest —currently in place against ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018)— to preventive detention.

The request —submitted by Lava Jato Special Case Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez to Judge Jorge Chavez— indicated that Kuczynski might have violated the rules of conduct, as he welcomed visitors at his home.

Likewise, it pointed out the former President received visits from Vice-President Mercedes Araoz, lawmakers Carlos Bruce, and Gilbert Violeta, as well as ex-ministers Alfredo Thorne, Bruno Giuffra, Cayetana Aljovin, Claudia Cooper, Abel Salinas, and Alfonso Grados.

According to Perez, these visits also violated the "prohibition on communication with witnesses of all the investigations carried out by the representative of the Public Ministry," and casts doubts on Kuczynski's "delicate health."

House arrest

Last April, the First National Criminal Appeals Chamber for Corruption Offenses Committed by Public Officials revoked a previous preventive detention order for Kuczynski while being investigated over alleged Odebrecht-related asset laundering charges to the detriment of the Peruvian State. Instead, it ordered his house arrest for a period of 36 months.

Preliminary detention

On March 10, the Judicial Branch ordered the preliminary detention of Kuczynski due to alleged asset laundering crimes to the detriment of the Peruvian State.

Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez requested the detention of Kuczynski, as evidence indicates that the ex-President was responsible for favoring Odebrecht so it could be awarded the South Interoceanic Highway Project —Stretches 2 and 3— (South IIRSA) and Olmos Irrigation Project, thus obtaining economic benefits from the company.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, during his tenure as Minister part of former President Alejandro Toledo's administration (2001-2006), he had approved regulations to favor the Brazilian corporation.

As is known, Toledo —who resides in the United States— faces an extradition request by the Peruvian State. The justice system ordered 18-month preventive detention for him —in February 2017— after having allegedly received bribes from Odebrecht during his time in office.

Likewise, Kuczynski is accused of money laundering offenses, acting within the framework of a criminal organization, due to the events that took place when he was Economy-Finance Minister and Prime Minister between 2002 and 2006.

Furthermore, in 2007, the Westfield Capital company —founded by Kuczynski— allegedly received money transfers from South IIRSA —Stretches 2 and 3— and Trasvase Olmos.

Ex-President

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski served as President of Peru between July 2016 and March 2018. He offered his resignation on March 21 following the release of secret recordings that entangled him in a scandal on the eve of an impeachment vote.

Back then, a group of legislators from opposition parties filed a presidential impeachment motion —on the grounds of moral incapacity— after he had survived a previous impeachment vote back in December.

This new motion was intended to oust Kuczynski for alleged links with Odebrecht.

(END) RMB/MVB

Publicado: 23/8/2019