Police in Peru raids President Dina Boluarte’s house in search of undeclared Rolex watches

Police in Peru conduct raid on President Dina Boluarte’s residence as part of an investigation into alleged undeclared Rolex watches

Peru’s National Police have raided President Dina Boluarte’s house as part of a corruption inquiry dubbed “Rolexgate.”

The authorities were searching for more than a dozen Rolex watches that President Boluarte had allegedly not declared.

The investigation was initiated after a news report highlighted the luxury watches she wore at public events when she assumed office in December 2022.

A March 18 statement from the Public Ministry read: “Preliminary proceedings have been ordered against Dina Boluarte for the alleged commission of the crime of illicit enrichment and omission of declaration in documents, because of the use of Rolex watches.”

Boluarte asserted her innocence, stating that she entered the government “with clean hands” and that, at 18, she purchased her Rolex with the proceeds of her work.

The raid, which took place in the early morning and involved a joint operation between the police and the prosecutor’s office, was broadcast on local television.

Officials have yet to provide information on the approximately five-hour search.

Police reportedly broke down the door of the president’s residence after calls to allow them to search went unanswered.

The raids also targeted the Lima district of Surquillo, a few kilometers from the government palace, which was also raided.

President Boluarte would not resign

Prime Minister Adrianzen confirmed that the president, who has yet to comment on the raids, was at her office. He emphasized that there was “no way” Ms. Boluarte planned to resign.

Peruvian president Dina Boluarte said she would not resign, calling the raids a “disproportionate” measure and “abusive.”

“I took office with clean hands and thus I will retire from the presidency in 2026,” she said at a press conference. 

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen expressed concern over the political ramifications, stating: “The political noise being made is serious, affecting investments and the entire country.”

These raids occurred after prosecutors rejected Ms. Boluarte’s request for more time to respond to a subpoena demanding proof of purchase for her watches.

Source: Newsroom