Police raided the home of Peru's president, Dina Bolwarte. The reason for the search was an investigation into "illicit enrichment". According to the police, the head of state did not declare a collection of luxury watches. 40 police officers and magistrates participated in the search. The purpose of the operation was the confiscation of Rolex watches, BTA reports.
Features broadcast on local television showed investigators surrounding the president's home on the outskirts of Lima. Because of the operation, surrounding streets were also blocked, and traffic on them was stopped. The video shows the moment when the uniformed officers break down the front door of the head of state's residence.
The intervention of the police was requested by the prosecutor's office, after Boluarte's request to provide the watches herself and the documentation related to their purchase was previously rejected. In the event of a lawsuit, it constitutionally cannot begin until July 2026, when Boluarte's term expires.
The scandal broke out after the local publication "La Enchenora" posted on March 15 a series of photos showing Boluarte wearing various luxury watches during her time as part of the government in 2021 and 2022.
Boluarte then stated that her conscience was clear and that she only owned one old watch, bought with her savings. "I entered government with clean hands and I will leave with clean hands, as I promised the Peruvian people,", she said.
Boluarte, 61, is already the subject of an investigation for "genocide, aggravated murder and infliction of serious injuries". It began after more than 50 people died during the two months of social unrest that accompanied her rise to power.
Dina Bolhuarte became the president of Peru after the removal from office and the arrest of the leftist head of state Pedro Castillo, to whom she was vice president.