Lima (EFE).- A Peruvian court on Wednesday rejected a request from the Prosecutor’s Office to impose a 36-month travel ban on former Peruvian president Dina Boluarte (2022-2025), who is under investigation for alleged money laundering.
Judge Fernando Valdez, head of the Second National Preparatory Investigation Court, ruled that “there is no factual basis” to justify the restriction, noting that the ex-president poses no flight risk.
“The request is declared unfounded,” Valdez said, adding that although the potential penalty exceeds three years, “there are no investigative acts that require the defendant’s presence, nor is there evidence of flight risk. The measure would not be proportional given her procedural conduct.”
Boluarte, who was removed from office on Thursday by Congress, did not attend the hearing but was represented by her lawyer, Juan Carlos Portugal.
Following the ruling, prosecutor Ángel Astocondor announced he will appeal the decision, while Boluarte’s lawyer expressed satisfaction, saying the court had recognized the lack of evidence supporting the allegations.
“The judge has acknowledged that there is no crime in this investigation and that the former president has strong ties to the country,” Portugal told reporters. “It’s an important decision after a particularly difficult week for her and the defense.”
The money laundering case
The case stems from allegations that Boluarte helped create a joint bank account to raise funds for the leftist Perú Libre party, which supported her and former Peruvian president Pedro Castillo (2021-2022) in the 2021 elections.
According to prosecutors, the account was used to collect contributions from party members to help pay a court-ordered civil reparation for Vladimir Cerrón, the fugitive founder of Perú Libre and former governor of the central Junín region.
Boluarte assumed the presidency on Dec. 7, 2022, after Congress ousted Castillo following his attempt to dissolve the legislature, intervene in the judiciary, and rule by decree.
The Public Ministry is also investigating possible illegal financing of Perú Libre’s 2021 campaign.
Another travel ban request pending
Despite this ruling, Boluarte faces a second travel-ban request in a separate case.
On Thursday, Supreme Judge Juan Carlos Checkley will review a new prosecution request seeking 18 months of travel restrictions against her for alleged incompatible negotiation or misuse of office.
Boluarte’s removal from the presidency last week was based on accusations of “permanent moral incapacity” amid rising crime and political turmoil in the country.
Portugal said he expects the appellate court to uphold Wednesday’s ruling: “We are confident that this decision confirming the existence of a crime will stand in the second instance.” EFE
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