Andina

Peru: Judiciary performs identity check on detained ex-Congressman Villanueva

ANDINA/Vidal Tarqui

12:49 | Lima, Nov. 27.

The Judicial Branch on Wednesday morning performed an identity check on former Congressman Cesar Villanueva, who was recently detained for seven days, within the framework of an investigation on him over aggravated influence peddling and illegal sponsorship linked to the Odebrecht case.

The same procedure was performed on Northern Lima Superior Prosecutor Alberto Orlando Rossel, Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Ronald Nicolas Chafloque, and businessman Jose Maria Santisteban who were placed under detention, too.


Until 9:30 PM (local time) Villanueva was present in his Lima home while the police searched his property. The warrant also included the lifting of the secrecy of communications.


Detention

The former Prime Minister was arrested on Tuesday afternoon at a restaurant in Lima's Los Olivos district —along with Northern Lima Superior Prosecutor Alberto Orlando Rossel, Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Ronald Nicolas Chafloque, and businessman Jose Maria Santisteban.

All of them are investigated for the alleged crimes of influence peddling and illegal sponsorship after having tried to influence on the Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group, which investigates Villanueva in the Odebrecht case.

For that purpose, Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Ronald Nicolas Chafloque communicated with Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Alexander Taboada —who is a member of the Special Team in charge of the investigations on Villanueva.

Following that, Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela brought Deputy Prosecutor Taboada before the Attorney General's Office for the corresponding measures to be taken.

As is known, Villanueva is investigated by the Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group of the Public Ministry for having allegedly favored the Odebrecht company with the San Jose de Sisa Highway Project in exchange for money, when he was Governor of San Martin Region (2007-2013).

(END) FHG/MVB

Published: 11/27/2019