SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 30 April 2024, Tuesday |

Ex-adviser to Peru president arrested after months on the run

Bruno Pacheco, a former top advisor to former president Pedro Castillo of Peru, turned himself in to police on Tuesday after months on the run from a corruption investigation, according to the country’s attorney general.

With regard to finding and apprehending Castillo allies who are currently the focus of criminal investigations, Pacheco’s arrest comes after the formation of a special police unit.

Two of Castillo’s allies remain in hiding, including his former transportation minister and his nephew.

Attorney General Patricia Benavides congratulated the team as she announced Pacheco’s arrest, who had been missing since March. Reuters was not immediately able to contact a lawyer for Pacheco.

Left-wing Castillo, who has been in office for just under a year, is himself facing five different criminal probes, including one for an alleged obstruction of justice.

Castillo has faced questioning by prosecutors and has rejected any allegations against him.

The president tweeted Tuesday morning that the news about Pacheco was “satisfactory” and said it debunked claims the executive branch was protecting individuals.

Pacheco became a household name in Peru in November after police found $20,000 in cash that he had allegedly stuffed in a bathroom of his government office. He denied wrongdoing and resigned in November.

President Castillo is now battling dwindling public approval and unprecedented turnover in senior government positions.

He fired his interior minister the day after announcing the creation of a special police team to track down political fugitives, prompting a fresh probe against him.

    Source:
  • Reuters