The investigation into Dina Boluarte, the president of Peru, as well as Walter Ortiz, Minister of the Interior, has commenced, as stated by the Peruvian Attorney General’s Office. The officials are being scrutinized for their roles in the disbandment of a special police unit that had been investigating the president’s brother. The brother, who was detained earlier, is a key subject of the ongoing inquiry.
The preliminary proceedings revolve around the Ministerial Resolution No. 0610-2024-IN issued by the duo, leading to the deactivation of the Special Police Support Team. The police unit had been supporting the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption in Power (EFICCOP). The activity under investigation is alleged to constitute offenses against the administration of justice and public administration per Articles 404 and 376 of the Peruvian Penal Code.
The resolution, arguing that the special police team’s function of assisting EFICCOP led to a undesirable duplication of efforts and resources, essentially vested full responsibility with the High Complexity Investigations Division of the Peruvian National Police (DIVIAC). However, the timing and effect of this resolution sparked controversy as it effectively hindered ongoing confidential investigations led by the EFICCOP.
Among the major cases hit by this decision was the investigation into Nicanor Boluarte, the president’s brother, who is alleged to be involved in a corruption network. The investigation, named “The Waykis in the Shadows“, also led to the arrest of Boluarte’s lawyer. Additionally, the police unit executed the “Valkyrie II” operation which led to seven arrests linked to complaints against the former Attorney General, Patricia Benavides.
Furthermore, reports indicate that the Chief of DIVAC, Franco Moreno, was summoned by the president to request information related to the investigation of her brother just days before the special police unit was disbanded.
The start of these preliminary proceedings aligns with statements made by Attorney General Juan Carlos Villena Campana. He expressed dissatisfaction with the move and demanded reinstatement of the disbanded police team, stating that these actions appear designed to thwart EFICCOP’s ongoing investigations.