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Peru Prosecutor: Ex-President Kuczynski's health was always a priority

10:37 | Lima, Apr. 29.

Peru's Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela has affirmed his team always prioritized the health of ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018), who will have to serve 36-month house arrest.

"We never disregarded it (his health)," the prosecutor expressed.

According to Vela, this change of measure does not mean there are not enough elements of conviction for a preventive detention, but priority has been given to the ex-President's health status, since he underwent surgery last Saturday. The 80-year-old is currently hospitalized at a Lima-based clinic.

"In terms of the case, the Public Ministry has not backed down from any of its arguments for the preventive detention request against Mr. Kuczynski," he added.

Finally, Prosecutor Vela indicated the medical reports —establishing the ex-Head of State's health risks— have been respected.

Last Saturday, Peru's First National Criminal Appeals Chamber for Corruption Offenses Committed by Public Officials revoked the previous preventive detention order for Kuczynski. Instead, it ordered his house arrest for a period of 36 months.

The court also imposed on him rules of conduct, including the payment of an economic bond worth S/100,000 (about US$30,303).

On April 19, Kuczynski was ordered to serve 36-month preventive detention while being investigated over alleged asset laundering charges to the detriment of the Peruvian State, within the framework of the Odebrecht corruption case.

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) CVC/DTK/MVB

Published: 4/29/2019

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Peru Prosecutor: Ex-President Kuczynski's health was always a priority

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