Peru’s Public Prosecutor opens investigation against former health minister for illicit enrichment

Peru’s Public Prosecutor’s Office reported that it opened an investigation against the former Minister of Health, Jorge López Peña, who was dismissed on October 23 following a newspaper report showing possible acts of corruption on the part of the official.

“The Prosecutor’s Office of the Nation ordered to open a preliminary investigation for 60 days against Jorge López Peña, in his capacity as Minister of Health, as the alleged perpetrator of the crime of illicit enrichment to the detriment of the State,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office reported on the social network Twitter.

On October 23, the local television program Punto Final reported that López Peña had ordered workers of his portfolio to deposit money in the account of his daughter’s mother, which was used to buy an apartment near the ministry.

That same day the President, Pedro Castillo, removed his Minister of Health from his post and published on Twitter:

“Given the facts spread by the media that would involve the current Minister of Health and demonstrate absolute transparency in my Government, I have decided to terminate his functions. I reiterate my commitment to continue working for the country”.

López Peña, a surgeon-radiologist, had assumed as a minister in April this year; he was the third Secretary of State of that portfolio appointed by Castillo.

With information from Sputnik

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