Criticism of Investigation in National Address... "Arbitrary and Insulting"
Report on 'At Least 14 Luxury Watches Not Declared in Asset Report'
Peruvian prosecutors and police conducted a search of the residence of Dina Boluarte (61), the President of Peru, who has been embroiled in the 'Rolex scandal.'
On the 30th (local time), major foreign media reported that local authorities investigating President Boluarte's 'Rolex scandal' conducted a search of the presidential residence the previous day.
Earlier this month, the local internet media outlet 'La Encerrona' raised suspicions by reporting that President Boluarte was wearing luxury watches, including Rolexes, whose acquisition process was unclear.
On the 29th (local time), Peruvian prosecutors and police officers stood in front of President Boluarte's residence to conduct a search. [Photo by AP Yonhap News]
As part of a preliminary investigation into allegations of illegal asset accumulation and failure to report assets by a public official, the Peruvian police conducted searches of the presidential residence and the presidential palace in the capital, Lima, starting from the night of the 29th. According to local TV footage reporting the situation, the police attempted to break down the door of President Boluarte’s residence to enter, as their request to open the door for evidence search was denied. The search involved 20 police officers and 20 prosecutors.
On the 30th, President Boluarte delivered a national address, revealing that the police had raided her residence and the presidential palace during the night, and strongly criticized them. She stated that she "rejected unconstitutional and discriminatory methods," and described the early morning actions as "arbitrary, disproportionate, and insulting." Boluarte’s lawyer, Mateo Castaneda, in an interview with local RPP radio, said, "Excessive police force was used in the search," and added, "It was designed to create a spectacle." He further noted, "President Boluarte is scheduled to appear before prosecutors for questioning next month."
The Peruvian Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on the 19th that it had launched a preliminary investigation into allegations of illegal asset accumulation and failure to report assets by a public official involving President Boluarte. In a press release, it explained, "We will examine whether there is any criminal offense related to President Boluarte’s use of Rolex watches." La Encerrona, which first reported the allegations, analyzed over 10,000 photos officially taken, distributed to the public, or archived by the government since Boluarte’s inauguration as Vice President on July 28, 2021. As a result, the outlet revealed, "President Boluarte wore at least 14 different watches over approximately two years," and "especially in the middle of last year, she was seen wearing Rolex watches frequently." It also reported that some of the watches worn by President Boluarte have a retail price of about $14,000 (approximately 18.75 million KRW).
After the allegations surfaced, President Boluarte denied the charges, explaining, "What I have is the result of my efforts since I was 18 years old." Despite this explanation, the controversy has not subsided, as critics point out that it is difficult to cover the cost of the watches with the salary of the President or Vice President of Peru. While serving as Vice President, Boluarte concurrently held the position of Minister of Social Development and received a monthly salary of $8,136 (approximately 1.089 million KRW). Currently, as President, she receives a monthly salary of $4,200 (approximately 562,000 KRW). Boluarte is the first female president in Peruvian history, having assumed the presidency on December 7, 2022, following the impeachment of former President Pedro Castillo.
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