Peru’s Former Presidents All Imprisoned on Corruption Charges

Peru’s judiciary has issued a preventive detention order for former President Martín Vizcarra, marking the first time in history that all former presidents of the nation are incarcerated simultaneously on various legal charges. Vizcarra entered Barbadillo prison in Lima on August 13, 2023, where he will spend five months awaiting trial on corruption allegations related to his tenure as the regional governor of Moquegua from 2011 to 2014. He faces accusations of accepting over $600,000 in bribes connected to two public works contracts.

This unprecedented situation highlights a deepening legitimacy crisis within Peru’s political sphere. According to Carlos Escaffi, a professor of international relations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, the public perception is that corruption is deeply embedded in every level of government. He noted the role of the judiciary, particularly the Public Ministry, which has been proactive in pursuing legal actions against those accused.

The history of corruption among Peruvian leaders stretches back years. In 2009, former President Alberto Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison primarily for human rights violations and corruption during his presidency from 1990 to 2000. After receiving a humanitarian pardon in 2017 due to health issues, this decision faced multiple annulments before he was ultimately released in 2023. Fujimori passed away in September 2024.

Former President Alan García, who led the country twice, died by suicide in 2019 as police attempted to arrest him in connection with corruption allegations involving the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, known for extensive bribery schemes across Latin America. Other former presidents currently imprisoned at Barbadillo include Alejandro Toledo, sentenced to 20 years for collusion and money laundering related to Odebrecht, and Ollanta Humala, who is serving a sentence for unlawful campaign contributions. Pedro Castillo, who was president until late 2022, has been in preventive detention since that time, facing corruption allegations during his administration and for an attempted coup.

Vizcarra became president in 2018 following the resignation of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who stepped down to avoid impeachment. In 2022, Vizcarra faced house arrest and is currently under restrictions, prohibited from leaving Peru while confronting charges of money laundering and collusion.

In the midst of this turmoil, current President Dina Boluarte received a ruling from Peru’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday, which granted her request to suspend all criminal investigations and impeachment proceedings against her until her term concludes on July 28, 2026. This includes cases related to deaths during protests in 2022 and 2023, the “Rolexgate” scandal concerning alleged illicit enrichment, and accusations of neglecting her duties while in office. Investigations into these matters are set to resume only after she leaves the presidency.

The ongoing legal troubles of Peru’s political leaders underscore a critical need for reform and transparency in the country’s governance. As the situation evolves, the implications for Peru’s political future remain significant, with public trust in institutions hanging in the balance.