Raid on Peruvian President Boluarte
According to consistent media reports, officials have searched the residence of Peruvian President Boluarte. She is suspected of unlawfully enriching herself with luxury watches. The politician claims she is a victim of “systematic harassment.”
The judiciary in Peru reportedly authorized a raid on the home of State President Dina Boluarte due to suspicion of unlawful enrichment with luxury watches. A judge ordered the raid as part of a tax inspection in the so-called Rolex case, as reported by the newspaper “El Comercio.”
The search warrant reportedly covered Boluarte’s property in the Surquillo district of the capital Lima as well as a vehicle registered to her. A video published by the RPP broadcaster shows police officers breaking down a door with a battering ram.
At the time of the search, the head of state was reportedly not at home but was in the government palace. Several ministers, including the Chief of the Cabinet, Gustavo Adrianzén, who condemned the raid on the president’s house, arrived there early in the morning, according to RPP.
No explanation given on the origin of the Rolex watches
Preliminary investigations are underway against Boluarte concerning the ownership of a luxury watch collection. The president referred to the search as “discriminatory and unconstitutional.” “I respect the public prosecutor’s investigations,” Boluarte said at a press conference. However, she rejected the manner in which it was being conducted.
Boluarte did not provide an explanation on the origin of the Rolex luxury watches at the advice of her lawyer. She stated that she would clarify the situation before the public prosecutor. She accused the press of “systematic harassment” against her. “Since when is it of interest to part of the press what a president does or doesn’t wear?” she said. “I hope and want to believe that it is not a sexist or discriminatory issue.”
Attorney General urges President to cooperate
Initially, the president stated that she had owned a Rolex watch for a long time, which she had financed from personal income since the age of 18. She asked the media not to delve into her personal affairs.
Attorney General Juan Villena recently criticized Boluarte’s request to postpone a court hearing by two weeks. He emphasized the obligation of the head of state to cooperate with the investigations. Villena also stressed that Boluarte must promptly present the Rolex watches. He warned her against disposing of or destroying them.
Boluarte became Vice President and Minister of Social Inclusion in July 2021. In December 2022, she assumed the presidency.