Peru police arrest president’s brother in graft probe

Police and prosecutors escort Nicanor Boluarte (C), brother of Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, to a vehicle after searching his home in Lima on May 10, 2024. Police in Peru arrested on Friday the brother and lawyer of Peru’s President, Dina Boluarte, for his alleged links to a corruption scheme that appointed officials in exchange for bribes, the prosecutor’s office announced. (Photo by Cris BOURONCLE / AFP)

Lima, Peru — Peruvian police on Friday arrested the brother of President Dina Boluarte over his alleged involvement in a graft scheme in which officials were appointed in exchange for bribes, the prosecution said.

The probe comes just weeks after the embattled president was engulfed in a scandal over her use of Rolex watches and other luxury jewelry, which she said had been a loan from a friend.

Nicanor Boluarte, 64, the president’s older brother, was arrested alongside others who are “being investigated for the crimes of criminal organization and influence peddling,” the prosecution wrote on X.

READ: Peruvian President Boluarte’s house raided in luxury watch probe

He is accused of leading a corruption network that appointed prefects and sub-prefects in exchange for “economic gifts,” according to a separate statement from the prosecutor’s office.

The officials serve as representatives of the government in different regions of the country and are appointed directly by the president and the interior minister.

According to the prosecution, the appointed officials recruited “affiliates” to register a new political party, which would be headed by Nicanor Boluarte.

One of the president’s lawyers and six other people were arrested in connection with the probe.

READ: Investigation into Peru’s Boluarte widened to include Cartier bracelet

President Dina Boluarte has approval ratings hovering around 10 percent and has had a torrid time in office since taking over in 2022 from Pedro Castillo, who tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, leading to his arrest and impeachment.

In 2023, prosecutors opened an investigation in which she stands accused of “genocide, homicide and serious injuries,” for the deaths of more than 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations demanding she resign and call fresh elect