Peruvian Presidential Candidate Roberto Sanchez Charged with Financial Crimes

Lima. In Peru, the government prosecutor's office has filed charges of financial crimes against leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez in the upcoming presidential election. The prosecution is demanding a prison sentence of five years and four months for him.

The indictment, released on Tuesday, alleges that Sanchez provided false information in financial statements related to the 2018-2020 election campaign. This accusation was made public just hours after election officials confirmed that Sanchez would advance to the second round of the presidential election. The second round of voting is scheduled for June 7.

According to the local newspaper El Comercio, prosecutors allege that Sanchez and his brother William concealed donations and membership fees amounting to approximately 280,000 Peruvian Soles (about 81,720 US dollars).

It is stated that this amount was not included in the party's official financial statements. Sanchez is also accused of providing false statements in administrative proceedings. Furthermore, the prosecution is demanding that he be permanently disqualified from holding the office of president.

Sanchez's lawyer, however, denied the charges, stating that the responsibility for submitting the party's financial statements lies with the treasurer. Speaking to local media RPP, he claimed that Sanchez was not directly responsible.

Now, on May 27, a judge will decide whether this case will formally proceed to court. According to the latest vote count, Sanchez is set to compete against right-wing leader Keiko Fujimori in the second round.