Peru’s President Dina Boluarte faces corruption allegations after being spotted wearing luxury watches beyond her means at official events. The scandal has escalated into a matter of state, overshadowing other critical issues in the country.
A scandal involving luxury watches has engulfed Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, leading to allegations of corruption and sparking outrage among citizens. The focus on Boluarte’s wristwear has escalated into a matter of state, overshadowing other critical issues facing the country.
The controversy erupted after a podcast revealed that President Boluarte had been spotted wearing 14 high-end watches at various formal events, none of which were declared in the assets disclosure required of public officials. Among these luxury timepieces was a steel Rolex Datejust 36 with 18-karat rose gold and diamond inlays, valued at around $19,000.
Initially, Boluarte claimed that she had purchased all the watches with her own money, attributing them to her hard work. However, after facing a police investigation for alleged illicit enrichment, she changed her story, stating that the watches were on loan from a friend, Ayacucho Governor Wilfredo Oscorima. Despite returning the watches, questions remain unanswered about the source of Boluarte’s sudden wealth.
The scandal has raised eyebrows, particularly given Boluarte’s modest salary as a minister and later as president. Prosecutors are now looking into her financial background, including bank deposits and a $56,000 Cartier bracelet, during her tenure as president of the Club Departamental Apurímac cultural organization.
Boluarte’s watch collection has garnered more attention than other significant issues plaguing Peru, including protest-related fatalities, human rights abuses, diplomatic tensions, and controversial political decisions. The scandal has cast a shadow over Boluarte’s presidency and further eroded public trust in the government.
As prosecutors continue their investigation and public scrutiny intensifies, President Boluarte finds herself navigating turbulent waters, facing mounting pressure to address the corruption allegations and restore credibility to her administration.