Peru: The Cost of Investigating Those in Power - The Case of Harvey Colchado

• Congressman Harvey Colchado has placed his Ethics Commission appointment at the disposal of the full chamber amid an indictment request.
• Colchado is accused of incompatible negotiation and ideological falsehood regarding a property lease involving his parents and the National Police.
• The case highlights broader institutional vulnerabilities in protecting anti-corruption investigators in Peru.

The Legal Situation

• On August 10, Colchado chose to submit his membership in the Ethics Commission to a full chamber vote to avoid potential conflicts of interest during debates on his legal status.
• The prosecution alleges criminal wrongdoing tied to a 2018 property lease between his parents' estate and the Comas Criminal Investigation Department (DEPINCRI) while he led the High Complexity Investigations Division (DIVIAC).
• Interestingly, prosecutor Diana Paico, who was previously under investigation for influence peddling in the Los Cuellos Blancos del Puerto case, is now seeking a 9-year and 4-month prison sentence for Colchado.

Pattern of Pressure

• The accusation against Colchado is viewed by many as part of a recurring pattern of pressure on anti-corruption investigators:
  • In 2021, DIVIAC faced a mass "purge" of 96 out of 161 members.
  • In 2022, there were attempts to remove Colchado from the anti-corruption police team.
  • In 2024, Colchado was temporarily removed from DIVIAC after leading a raid on President Dina Boluarte’s home and investigating the Los Waykis en la Sombra case.
  • Following these events, Colchado was eventually reassigned to patrol duties and retired from the National Police.

Institutional Implications

• The fundamental issue is whether the Peruvian state possesses adequate institutional mechanisms to guarantee the independence and continuity of corruption investigations.
• There is a significant risk that, without robust safeguards, external actors can weaken or terminate high-impact investigations by targeting the officials leading them.
• Strengthening institutional independence remains a critical challenge for building public trust and upholding the rule of law in Peru.