Introduction to the Corruption Allegations Against Peruvian President Pedro Castillo
The story of Peruvian President Pedro Castillo is not one of political persecution, but rather a tale of rampant corruption. In July 2022, the Special Team of Prosecutors Against Corruption in Power was established to tackle this issue. Dr. Marita Sonia Berreto Rivera, a distinguished prosecutor with 17 years of experience, was appointed as the coordinating senior prosecutor for this team.
Background on Key Figures
Marita Berreto selected two colonels, Harvey Colchado Huamaní and Walter Lozano Pajuelo, as her collaborators. She sought authorization from Interior Minister Mariano González, who was appointed by President Pedro Castillo. The Resolución Ministerial 0903-2022-IN, authorizing these appointments, was published in El Peruano on July 19, 2022.
The Turning Point: Castillo’s Dismissal of González
Just days before, on July 13, President Castillo learned that his Interior Minister had appointed Colonel Harvey Colchado as head of the Search Division of the Ministry of Interior’s Intelligence General Directorate. Castillo then reprimanded González and dismissed him via Twitter.
Castillo’s Corrupt Practices
President Castillo allegedly used a private building in Breña, Lima, owned by businessman Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez, to coordinate a shadow cabinet and devise corrupt strategies. This building served as a “corruption boutique” for Castillo and his family, where he demanded payments for ministerial appointments, accepted bribes from military personnel seeking promotions, and granted public works contracts in exchange for payments.
The Fall of a Lobbyist
Karelim López, a road infrastructure lobbyist, was among the first to be implicated. A television program captured her entering and leaving the Sarratea 179 building with a large bag, which appeared empty upon her exit.
Uncovering the Network
Prosecutor Marita Berreto began investigating and discovered Arnulfo Bruno Pacheco Castillo, Pedro Castillo’s nephew and private secretary. Bruno Pacheco allegedly pressured the Superintendent of the Sunat (Peru’s equivalent of Mexico’s SAT) to favor certain companies.
The Downfall of Bruno Pacheco
On November 17, the prosecution accused Pacheco of influence peddling. During a raid on the Government Palace, investigators found $20,000 in cash hidden in Pacheco’s bathroom. He resigned on November 23 and a warrant for his arrest was issued by Judge Hugo Chuyo.
Confession and Bribery
In a ministerial statement, Pacheco admitted to the Special Team that he had an agreement with Castillo for financial support and legal assistance to remain silent, as he had witnessed various corrupt activities. Beder Camacho, the undersecretary of Presidency, was to be his communication channel. On December 23, 2021, Camacho informed Pacheco that Castillo had “a message.” Pacheco asked his sister Goria to receive the envelope containing 3,000 soles (approximately 16,500 Mexican pesos).
Castillo’s Attempts to Silence His Nephew
President Castillo attempted to silence his nephew by sending him more money, including 20,000 soles (approximately 110,000 pesos) on occasion. Beder Camacho often kept a portion of the money for himself.
Conclusion: The Complexity of Peruvian Politics
As the late Peruvian diplomat, historian, and writer José Antonio de Lavalle once said, “Peruvian politics is a labyrinth from which not even the devil can escape.” This statement seems fitting as the story of Pedro Castillo, a seemingly modest and rural teacher, unfolds amidst allegations of widespread corruption.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Pedro Castillo? Pedro Castillo is the current President of Peru, whose administration has been embroiled in corruption allegations.
- What is the Special Team of Prosecutors Against Corruption in Power? This team was established in July 2022 to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption within the Peruvian government.
- Who is Arnulfo Bruno Pacheco Castillo? Bruno Pacheco is Pedro Castillo’s nephew and private secretary, who has been accused of influence peddling and accepting bribes.
- What evidence has been presented against Pedro Castillo? Evidence includes financial transactions, secret recordings, and confessions from those involved in the alleged corrupt activities.
