Background on Pedro Castillo and His Relevance
Pedro Castillo, the 40th president of Peru, has been embroiled in a significant corruption scandal. His actions have raised concerns about the integrity of his administration and the potential misuse of power for personal gain.
The Bribery Scheme
In July 2021, Castillo allegedly collected $40,000 from each of eight police colonels seeking promotion to army generals. His private secretary, Bruno Pacheco, disclosed this information to the prosecution handling the corruption case against Castillo.
- Key Individuals Involved: Castillo, his bodyguard Jorge Tarrillo (alias Sombra), Defense Minister Walter Ayala González, sub-secretary Beder Camacho, and Pacheco.
- Pacheco’s Complaint: Pacheco confronted Sombra, feeling excluded from the bribery scheme. He stated, “You’re taking this on alone.”
- Ascension of Officers: On November 19, 2021, Castillo announced the promotion of eight officers who had paid him a total of $320,000: Nicasio Zapata Súclupe, Enrique Antonio Goycochea Chunga, Freddy Aristo del Carpio León, Edward Rando Espinoza López, Manuel Jesúr Rivera López, Eginardo Diego Pérez Chávez, Max Henry García Esquivel, and Pedro Rodolfo Villanueva Nole.
Yenifer Paredes Navarro: A Central Figure in the Scandal
Yenifer Noelia Paredes Navarro, Castillo’s sister-in-law and the niece he raised, played a crucial role in the corruption scheme. Despite lacking any public position, she facilitated public works contracts for Castillo.
- Relationship to Castillo: Yenifer is the sister of Lilia Paredes Navarro, Castillo’s wife, and was presented as Castillo’s daughter due to her upbringing in his home.
- Hugo Espino’s Involvement: Hugo Espino, a close associate of Yenifer and also involved in negotiations with Lilia Paredes Navarro, secured multiple public works contracts under Castillo’s administration.
- Mexican Asylum for Lilia Paredes: Despite her involvement in corrupt acts, including trafficking of influence and collusion, Lilia Paredes Navarro was granted asylum in Mexico by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO).
Anguía’s Bribery Case
In Anguía, a small municipality in Cajamarca, Yenifer was recorded discussing public works projects with local residents. She claimed to be there on behalf of herself, her colleagues, and the president.
- Video Evidence: A video surfaced showing Yenifer discussing project details, indicating her role as a facilitator for public works contracts.
- Capitan Gian Marco Dueñas’ Observation: Capitan Dueñas observed the video, noting a voice instructing others to stop recording due to Yenifer’s presence and the sensitive nature of the situation.
- Fiscal Marita Berreto Rivera’s Request: The fiscal sought an arrest warrant for Yenifer, Hugo Espino, and Anguía’s mayor due to the bribery case.
- Bribe Amount: The bribe in Anguía amounted to 3 million soles (approximately 16.5 million Mexican pesos).
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
On August 9, 2022, police, acting on a court order, entered the presidential palace to detain Yenifer. The investigation into Castillo’s corruption allegations continues.
