Peru’s President Dina Boluarte found herself under scrutiny as her residence became the focal point of a raid conducted by an anti-corruption investigation team on Saturday, as reported by the AFP news agency. The investigation was prompted by allegations surrounding an undisclosed collection of Rolex watches purportedly owned by President Boluarte.
The attention on the watches stemmed from images dating back to December 2022, coinciding with Boluarte’s assumption of office, which surfaced in public records.
The raid unfolded in Lima’s Surquillo District and was initiated following a newspaper report alleging that President Boluarte was seen wearing luxury Rolex watches of questionable origin, which had not been declared in public records. Despite the raid, President Boluarte was not present at her residence during the operation, according to reports.
The raid where Rolex watches were caught, was carried out in coordination between the police and the prosecutor’s office, was broadcasted on the local television channel Latina, garnering significant public attention. Government authorities took control of President Boluarte’s residence early in the morning, initiating a thorough search operation. The surprise raid was authorized by the Supreme Court of Preparatory Investigation following a request by the public prosecutor, underlining the seriousness of the allegations.
President Boluarte, who assumed office in December 2022, now faces a political crisis as investigations into allegations of illegal enrichment continue to unfold. Under Peru’s constitution, if President Boluarte is indicted in connection with the case, a trial cannot commence until after her term concludes in July 2026 or unless she is impeached by the legislature.
In response to queries regarding her ownership of expensive timepieces while serving on a public salary, President Boluarte staunchly defended herself, attributing their acquisition to her hard work since the age of 18. “I entered the Government Palace with clean hands, and I will leave it with clean hands,” reiterated President Boluarte, emphasizing her commitment to integrity and transparency in public service.
Dina Boluarte made history as Peru’s first female president, following the tumultuous tenure of leftist leader Pedro Castillo. Castillo’s controversial attempt to dissolve Congress and govern by decree ultimately led to his rapid removal from office and subsequent arrest.
The raid on President Boluarte’s residence underscores the deep-seated challenges facing Peru’s political landscape, with corruption allegations casting a shadow over the highest echelons of power. The investigation into President Boluarte’s alleged ownership of undisclosed luxury items has reignited debates about transparency and accountability in government, with many Peruvians closely watching the developments unfold.
As the investigation progresses, the future of President Boluarte’s presidency remains uncertain, with potential legal proceedings looming large over her tenure. The outcome of the investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for Peru’s political landscape, shaping public perceptions of government integrity and accountability for years to come.
In the meantime, the people of Peru remain vigilant, awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga of political intrigue and corruption allegations at the highest levels of power.