Peru: Why are businesswoman Sada Goray and journalist Mauricio Fernandini detained?

Photo: TV Capture

Photo: TV Capture

16:22 | Lima, Jul. 7.

The Judiciary has issued 10-day preliminary detention of real estate businesswoman Sada Goray and journalist Mauricio Fernandini, who are being investigated for diverse crimes by the Public Ministry.

Why were Mauricio Fernandini and Sada Goray placed under detention?


"What we are seeing is that it is a consequence of an action by the Public Ministry in order to gather evidence for the proceedings," Pacheco said in remarks to RPP Noticias.

The State Attorney indicated that the Special Team of Prosecutors against Power —led by magistrate Marita Barreto— was the one that had requested the detention measure.

The State Attorney's thesis claims there was an alleged criminal organization led by ex-President Pedro Castillo, which relied on networks to obtain benefits through corruption.

"One of these was to penetrate and grant benefits through three institutions that we have identified, which are the National Superintendence of State Assets (SBN), Sunarp (the National Superintendence of Public Registries), and Fondo MiVivienda (My Housing Fund)," he explained.

Pacheco mentioned that the institution he represents has identified economic damage of S/148 million (about US$40.65 million) distributed among six projects, within which there would have been a trust fund without guarantees.

"Information has been gathered that is being analyzed by experts from the Comptroller’s Office," he indicated.

The official stressed that the preliminary detention —which became effective earlier today— took place within the framework of the investigation into Goray over the alleged felony of (being part of a) criminal organization, added to the inquiries into possible influence peddling that are already being carried out.

"We have the presumption that there is a criminal organization here and that the aforementioned people are part of it,Pacheco said.

"During previous days, we had already asked the Public Ministry to change the classification concerning Mrs. Sada Goray and to investigate her for criminal organization felonies, in addition to the crimes of influence peddling and bribery," he specified.

Furthermore, Pacheco pointed out that the operational arm, which might have made possible this type of actions against the Peruvian State, would have been orchestrated and led by former Minister of Housing, Construction and Sanitation, Geiner Alvarado, who had served under ex-President Pedro Castillo.

Pacheco also underlined that the Prosecutor's Office could subsequently request pre-trial detention after the formalization of the investigation.

About Pedro Castillo


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Published: 7/7/2023