Former President Kuczynski Grounded in Peru over Bribery Allegations

Peru’s judicial authorities stopped former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski from leaving the country on June 8, 2025, after he attempted to board a flight to the United States.

Migration officials blocked his departure due to an active alert linked to ongoing criminal investigations into his 2016 presidential campaign.

The judiciary advanced a hearing and issued an 18-month travel ban, citing a high risk that Kuczynski would not return to face justice. Kuczynski, 86, claimed he needed to travel for medical reasons and to see his wife.

He argued that officials violated his rights and announced legal action. The court, however, focused on evidence suggesting he received $100,000 in illicit campaign funds from the construction company CASA.

Prosecutors allege that CASA benefited from public contracts during Kuczynski’s government, raising concerns about a pay-to-play scheme.

Authorities suspect Kuczynski used a method called “pitufeo” to hide the true origin of the funds by splitting large sums into smaller, less detectable transactions.

This case forms part of a broader investigation into the so-called “Club de la Construcción,” a network of companies accused of colluding to win state contracts through bribery.

Kuczynski already resigned in 2018 due to corruption allegations and previously spent time under house arrest for health reasons. The Peruvian judiciary’s decision reflects a longstanding pattern in the country, where former leaders often face legal scrutiny for financial misconduct.

For businesses and investors, the case highlights the persistent risks of corruption in Peru’s public sector and the importance of strict compliance measures. The outcome will likely influence future governance and the perception of legal certainty in the country.

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