New evidence has surfaced in Peru, implicating Congressman José Luna Gálvez in a bribery and criminal organization scheme. The prosecution alleges that Gálvez, leader of the "Podemos Perú" party, used his private university, Telesup, to buy influence within the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM). The ultimate goal, according to prosecutors, was to appoint the head of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) to facilitate the registration of his political party. Central to the investigation are 14 checks issued by Telesup, totaling over 912,000 Soles to Iván Noguera, a former CNM council member, and another 450,000 Soles to Guido Águila, another council member. These payments were allegedly disguised as author's rights or sponsorship for legal works. Gálvez's son, José Luna Morales, who served as Telesup's general manager and "Podemos Perú's" general secretary, allegedly signed these checks.

The prosecution further claims that the criminal organization, allegedly led by Gálvez, exploited Telesup's resources to bribe three CNM council members: Iván Noguera, Guido Águila, and Julio Gutiérrez Pebe. In Pebe's case, instead of direct checks, his son allegedly received a job at the university, indicating a systematic approach to securing loyalty and influence. This alleged manipulation led to council members linked to Gálvez voting against the ratification of the then-ONPE chief, Mariano Cucho Espinoza, paving the way for the appointment of a party ally. These revelations come at a critical juncture for Peruvian politics, with "Podemos Perú" holding significant sway in Congress, controlling three committees and boasting 13 representatives, making them key players in legislative votes. Gálvez faces a potential 22-year prison sentence if convicted.

The new findings shed light on potential systemic issues within Peru's judicial and electoral systems. Telesup University, owned by Luna Gálvez, is accused of being a "golden goose" used to bribe CNM members. This case could mark a significant moment in the fight against corruption within Peru's political elite, amplifying calls for transparency and accountability.

Key Indicators

Strong signal of systemic corruption within Peru's judicial and electoral bodies, tied to political objectives.
Checks presented as evidence show suspicious financial transactions totaling over 1 million Soles (approx. USD 270,000) to CNM council members.

Regional Perspective

This report unveils Peru's internal political power dynamics, where a prominent politician is accused of leveraging his party and university resources to influence judicial and electoral decisions for his party's registration. It highlights the pivotal role that relatively small but influential political parties play in shaping the country's legislative and political agenda.