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Peru signs deal on transfer of confiscated assets with Switzerland and Luxembourg

Photo: Twitter/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

Photo: Twitter/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

00:00 | Lima, Dec. 17.

Peru has reached an agreement with Switzerland and Luxembourg regarding the transfer of confiscated assets.

The deal will allow Peru to repatriate more than US$26 million in funds derived from corruption, which were deposited in accounts at banks in Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Additionally, it should be pointed out that the agreement has been concluded after more than two years of negotiations among the three countries, and thanks to continued efforts —on the Peruvian side— by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice-Human Rights, the Judicial Branch, and the Public Ministry, in cooperation with their counterparts in Switzerland and Luxembourg.

The funds to be repatriated will be allocated to programs and projects that would support the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as the institutional strengthening of the State apparatus responsible for promoting these State policies.

The money comes from criminal activities promoted —in the 1990s— by the criminal organization led by Vladimiro Montesinos —the former advisor to ex-president Alberto Fujimori. Both of them are currently imprisoned.

This repatriation marks an important milestone in the commitment of the Peruvian State and its authorities in the fight against corruption and organized crime.

The "Agreement between the Republic of Peru, the Swiss Confederation, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on the Transfer of Confiscated Assets" was signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Elizabeth Astete, on behalf of Peru.

The signing took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Foreign Affairs Ministry's headquarters in Lima.

Moreover, the ceremony was held in the presence of Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti.

(END) NDP/RMB/MVB

Publicado: 17/12/2020