JUSTICE • Former Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra has been thrown into preventive detention for five months, accused of juicy bribes.
Former Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra was placed in preventive detention for five months on Wednesday, August 13. The justice system accuses him of corruption during his time as governor of Moquegua eleven years ago.
Judge Jorge Chavez ordered the measure. Reason: risk of flight and non-compliance with the procedure. Vizcarra, in power from 2018 to 2020, was arrested immediately after the hearing. He was transferred to a small prison in eastern Lima.
Prosecutors suspect him of pocketing 2.3 million soles (about $650,000) in bribes. In exchange: public contracts for construction companies. Notably hospital deals in Moquegua.
Vizcarra isn’t alone in his cell. He joins three other ex-presidents behind bars: Alejandro Toledo, Ollanta Humala, and Pedro Castillo. Peru now has five former heads of state locked up for corruption.
The former leader faces another probe. He’s accused of leading a criminal network called “The Untouchables of Corruption.” This group offered jobs and contracts for kickbacks during his presidency.
Vizcarra proclaims his innocence. He denounces it as “personal revenge.” The trial end date remains unknown. This case highlights the anti-corruption wave shaking Peru in recent years.
