Peru’s Attorney General Juan Villena said Tuesday that his office expanded the investigation against President Dina Boluarte for possession of expensive jewelry, including a Cartier bracelet and bank deposits of “unknown origin” amounting to 1.1 million soles (almost $300,000).

Boluarte is mired in a political scandal involving the use of fine Rolex watches. investigation of alleged illicit enrichment, Against this background, on Monday he reshuffled almost a third of his cabinet; unrest that once again points to a crisis of governance in the South American country.

“The charge was extended to possession of a Cartier bracelet, which is listed as $56,000, according to public sources,” said Villena, who made the announcement during a presentation to a congressional oversight panel.

Villena stated that it was also expanded by bank deposits of unknown origin amounting to 1.1 million soles in Boluarte’s accounts, and approximately $500,000 worth of jewelry, which she was photographed with at public events.

Deposits in Boluarte accounts date from 2016 to 2022. before she became president, according to previous reports in the local press. In her defense, Boluarte said a few days ago that the bank accounts were “joint” from her time as president of the regional club and denied any corruption.

Prosecutor Villena also stated that “observations made” regarding Boluarte’s affidavit were included in the investigation, where there appears an increase in his assets of more than 432,000 soles during two years.

Over the weekend, dozens of prosecutors and police entered Boluarte’s home and then his office in the Government Palace. searching for evidence of three Rolex watches that the president was never able to explain how she acquired them.

Boluarte in a televised address: described the fiscal measure as “abusive” and said he would serve his sentence until 2026. The scandal has prompted calls from the opposition in Congress to begin impeachment proceedings against Boluarte.

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In his speech to Congress, Villena defended the tax raid on Boluarte’s home and the Government Palace, saying that acted within the law and with due processwith the permission of the competent judge.

The Congressional Oversight Commission also invited Boluarte, but The President apologized due to issues on the agenda. according to some members of the legislative group.

(Reuters)