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Peru judge orders 36-month preventive detention against ex-President Kuczynski

16:30 | Lima, Apr. 19.

The Third Preparatory Investigation Court, led by Judge Jorge Chavez Tamariz, ordered a 36-month preventive detention against ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski over alleged asset laundering charges, within the framework of the Odebrecht corruption case.

As is known, Peru's Lava Jato Case Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez on Thursday decided to maintain the 36-month preventive detention request against Kuczynski, and not to change this petition for house arrest, as it was previously informed.

At court, Perez informed the medical certificate submitted by the Legal Medical Institute (IML) indicated the former Head of State's health "is clinically unstable" and that he has uncontrolled high blood pressure.

However, the prosecutor pointed out, this condition "does not mean a serious illness or a permanent physical incapacity" that could prevent the justice from complying with the petition.

As for Kuczynski's personal secretary Gloria Kisic and driver Jose Luis Bernaola, the Judiciary dismissed the preventive detention request but issued summons to them.

Kuczynski did not attend the hearing as he is currently hospitalized at a Lima-based clinic.

Preliminary detention

On March 10, the Judicial Branch ordered the preliminary detention of Kuczynski over 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) JCC/CCR/RMB/MVB

Published: 4/19/2019

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Peru judge orders 36-month preventive detention against ex-President Kuczynski

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