Peru’s attorney general has accused President Dina Boluarte of accepting bribes in the form of luxury Rolex watches, adding another layer to the corruption scandal engulfing her unpopular administration. Attorney General Juan Carlos Villena alleged that Boluarte received these items from a governor, which constitutes accepting bribes.
Villena’s office announced on X, formerly Twitter, that he “presented a constitutional complaint against Dina Boluarte as the suspected author of passive corruption.” The controversy began in March with the discovery of undeclared luxury Rolex watches and jewelry in Boluarte’s possession. Last month, Boluarte told prosecutors that the Rolex watches had been loaned by a friend, Ayacucho regional governor Wilfredo Oscorima. She is under investigation for “passive corruption” for allegedly receiving improper benefits from public officials.
While the attorney general’s accusation has been presented to Congress, it does not amount to an indictment, as Boluarte enjoys immunity while in office. Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen has dismissed the accusation as “persecution,” criticizing it as unconstitutional and illegal.
“This is nothing more than an example of the systematic persecution in fiscal matters that is carried out against the president in an improper, unconstitutional, and illegal manner,” Adrianzen told television Canal N.
A congressional committee will now debate the accusation before the full chamber considers it. Ultimately, the courts will decide whether to put Boluarte on trial after her term ends in July 2026.
With an approval rating of just 12 percent, according to an Ipsos poll, Boluarte does not lead or have a party in Congress, requiring her to secure backing from conservatives. Peru has experienced chronic political instability, with six presidents in the past eight years.
Boluarte assumed office in December 2022, replacing left-wing President Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned for attempting to dissolve Congress. She was his vice president.
In 2023, prosecutors opened an investigation against Boluarte for “genocide, homicide, and serious injuries” related to the deaths of more than 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations demanding her resignation and fresh elections.
