Watan-Police forces, in a joint operation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, raided the residence of Peru’s President, Dina Boluarte, in search of Rolex watches that were not declared.
The police stated that the raid, involving around 40 officers, was conducted “for the purpose of search and seizure.”
Earlier this month, authorities initiated an investigation into Boluarte following a newspaper report alleging that she possessed luxurious Rolex watches from an undisclosed source not listed in official records.
Local television channel “Latina” aired footage of the raid, showing one of the investigating team members using a heavy hammer in the operation, authorized by the judiciary upon the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, according to reports.
Dina Boluarte has been undergoing preliminary investigation for possessing an undisclosed collection of luxury watches since her appointment as Vice President and Minister of Social Inclusion in July 2021, then as President.
Initially, she claimed ownership of at least one Rolex watch, stating it was an old possession acquired through “personal gains” since the age of 18, urging the media not to delve into personal matters.
The political crisis worsened due to Rolex watches
The political crisis over Rolex watches escalated Earlier this week, Attorney General Juan Velina criticized Boluarte’s request to postpone her court appearance for two weeks, affirming her commitment to cooperate with the investigation.
Political disturbances are not new in Peru, which has witnessed six presidents in the past five years.
However, many view Boluarte’s recent statements as contradictory to her previous commitment to honestly speak to prosecutors, which could exacerbate the political crisis stemming from her unjustified ownership of Rolex watches.
The Attorney General emphasized Boluarte’s commitment to promptly bring forth the three Rolex watches for investigation, warning against disposing of or tampering with them.
Boluarte assumed the presidency in December 2022 after former President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve the Senate and govern by decree, leading to his impeachment and arrest.
Boluarte, a 61-year-old lawyer, rose from a humble regional official to Vice President under Pedro Castillo in July 2021, then assumed the presidency in December 2022 following Castillo’s impeachment for attempting to dissolve Congress and govern by decree.
At least 49 people were killed in the protests that followed.
Critics accuse Boluarte’s government of adopting an increasingly authoritarian approach while avoiding calls for early elections and working with Congress members on laws that threaten to undermine the independence of Peru’s judiciary.