How a collection of luxury watches put Peru's presidency at risk
CTV
Peru has had six presidents since 2018 and current head of state Dina Boluarte in political hot water and facing calls to step down amid questions about the provenance of her collection of Rolex watches.
Peru has had six presidents since 2018 and current head of state Dina Boluarte in political hot water and facing calls to step down amid questions about the provenance of her collection of Rolex watches.
Boluarte is under investigation for illicit enrichment for possessing luxury timepieces watches without proving how she got them. Dozens of police and prosecutors raided her home and office over Easter weekend looking for evidence in the case.
Boluarte, who took power in 2022 after her predecessor was impeached for illegally trying to shutter congress, saw the beginning of her term marked by protests and ensuing crackdown that left dozens dead.
Despite widespread calls for her resignation or to bring forward elections, Boluarte survived but is now facing renewed calls to step down over the scandal.
In a televised address to the nation Boluarte called the raid "abusive" and said she would serve her term until 2026. Congress has already taken initial steps to impeach Boluarte.
In March, a popular political YouTube show "La Encerrona" reviewed thousands of photos of Boluarte and found she wore a number of Rolex watches worth between US$14,000 and $25,000.
On March 18, the Peru's prosecutor's office announced "preliminary proceedings" against Boluarte for alleged "illicit enrichment" and failure to declare ownership of the expensive Rolex watches in documents.
