Corruption probe Targets Alleged Criminal Network in Peru’s School Feeding Program
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A sweeping examination into alleged corruption within Peru’s state institutions has led to the preliminary arrest of three individuals and raids on 13 properties across the regions of Freedom,Ancash,and Lima. The probe centers on accusations of criminal association and influence peddling connected to contracts awarded through the Qali Warma school feeding program,potentially jeopardizing the health of thousands of schoolchildren.
The Public Ministry announced the arrests on Wednesday, detailing that the investigation, dubbed “The Republic,” is being led by the ninth office of the Supraprovincial Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Crimes of corruption of Officials.
Allegations of Scheme to Favor frigoinca SAC
authorities allege that Aníbal Morillo (60) and Jorge Luis Silva (47) exploited connections within the Regional Health Management (Geresa) to provide irregular support to Frigoinca SAC.This support reportedly included facilitating permits and health inspections, ultimately enabling the company to secure contracts with Qali warma.
“The procedures are carried out by the ninth office of the Supraprovincial Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in crimes of Corruption of Officials,” a senior official stated.
Additionally, Luis Álvarez (37), a former official with Qali Warma’s Territorial Unit in Áncash, was apprehended on suspicion of accepting bribes to manipulate reports concerning the volume of meat products supplied to the program. The investigation also encompasses Óscar Acuña Peralta, who is accused of participating in the alleged influence peddling scheme.
Investigation Reveals Entrenched Criminal organization
The investigation, currently in its preparatory stage – the fourth phase of the process – suggests the existence of a deeply rooted criminal organization operating within the Peruvian state. This organization is accused of manipulating selection and award processes to favor specific food supply companies,including Frigoinca.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, these actions have potentially harmed the health of schoolchildren across multiple departments in the country. The scope of the alleged corruption is meaningful, raising concerns about the integrity of public procurement processes.
The operation involved a team of five deputy prosecutors, led by provincial prosecutor Reynaldo Abia Arrieta, who seized electronic equipment, cell phones, and cash during the raids. The arrests and searches were conducted in coordination with personnel from the Intelligence Division of the Directorate against Corruption (Dircocor).
The investigation continues, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the alleged criminal network and bring all those involved to justice.
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: the investigation was launched due to allegations of corruption within Peru’s state institutions, specifically concerning the Qali Warma school feeding program. The goal is to address potential harm to schoolchildren’s health and restore integrity to public procurement.
Who: Key individuals implicated include Aníbal Morillo, Jorge Luis Silva, Luis Álvarez, and Óscar Acuña Peralta, accused of criminal organization and influence peddling. Provincial prosecutor Reynaldo Abia Arrieta leads the investigation, with support from the Supraprovincial Prosecutor’s office Specialized in Crimes of Corruption of Officials and Dircocor. Frigoinca SAC is a central
