President Dina Boluarte’s Lawyer Confirms Discovery of Luxury Watches in Raids: No Seizures Made

President Dina Boluarte’s lawyer, former prosecutor Mateo Castañeda, confirmed that the Prosecutor’s Office found a series of watches during the raids on the head of state’s house and the Presidential Office. However, the lawyer assured that the objects were not seized.

In an interview with RPP Noticias, Castañeda stated that in Surquillo’s home “other watches were found, but of little value,” while another set of these objects was found in the Palace.

“(The watches that were found, which do have value, in the Palace, were they delivered by staff of the Presidency or found by the prosecutors and police of the DIVIAC?) They have been found in the president’s room and it is part of his trousseau,” declared the lawyer.

In that sense, Mateo Castañeda stated that the authorities confirmed the existence of “at least 10” watches, took photographs, but did not proceed to seize them. The president’s defense did not indicate whether they were from the Rolex brand.

“You can’t say that, there are some nice watches, with certain appearances, but that has to be determined by an expert,” he noted. He added that Dina Boluarte received the prosecutors and the troops along with several ministers.

“They have been given all the facilities and the Police have done all their work. For my taste, a little excessive. “That lifting the carpets, checking the seats,” she added.

Police officers walk outside the Government Palace after prosecutors raided home of President Dina Boluarte as part of inquiries into possible illicit enrichment and failure to declare ownership of luxury watches, in Lima, Peru March 30, 2024. REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda

On the other hand, lawyer Mateo Castañeda announced that President Dina Boluarte will testify before the Prosecutor’s Office next Friday, April 5. He assured that the president “is willing to testify on the merits of the facts to clarify this investigation.”

Likewise, Castañeda indicated that he advised the head of state to first give explanations to the Public Ministry for the investigation for illicit enrichment and failure to record statements in documents, and then to the citizens.

“My professional legal advice has been to refrain from touching on these issues because the law prohibits it. The law establishes the confidentiality of the investigation. My advice has been to first declare before the competent authority and then declare before public opinion. That advice remains,” he said.

Finally, lawyer Mateo Castañeda indicated that they will appeal the resolution of Supreme Judge Juan Carlos Checkley that authorized the raids on the president’s house and the Presidential Office. He considers that the measure was “unnecessary and disproportionate.”

In response to the legal actions ordered in the investigation against Dina Boluarte, Premier Gustavo Adrianzén turned to platform of justice.

He assured that these measures not only represent an unfair attack against Boluarte, but also generate a climate of political and economic instability in the country. He stressed the importance of maintaining the constitutional order and the continuation of work for economic reactivation and national security as immovable priorities of the executive.

In additional comments to RPP Noticias, Adrianzén denied any speculation about possible resignations within the cabinet as a result of this judicial setback. President Boluarte is expected to make a statement at noon.

2024-03-31 04:48:17
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