Peru president's brother gets three years pre-trial detention in corruption case

20/11/2024 12:00

        A Peruvian court on Tuesday ordered President Dina Boluarte's brother be held for up to three years as he is investigated over alleged influence peddling, bribery and involvement in a criminal organization, in a case that could implicate the country's top leader.
        
        The court also issued an order for police to "immediately" locate and arrest Nicanor Boluarte, who was not present for his court hearings on Monday or Tuesday.
        
        Judge Richard Carhuancho ruled there was "a high degree of probability" that the Boluarte brother had participated in the alleged crimes and that he was a flight risk due to his proximity to the "spheres of power" because of his ties to the president.
        
        His defense team will appeal the decision.
        
        The prosecutor's office had earlier called for Nicanor's arrest for allegedly using "de facto power" to appoint officials after his sister took office at the end of 2022.