Former Peruvian President Ollanta Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia, were sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Peruvian court for money laundering and corruption linked to their 2011 presidential campaign. The court found that they received approximately $3 million in illicit funds from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, which has been at the center of widespread corruption scandals across Latin America.
Humala, who served as president from 2011 to 2016, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the funds were legitimate donations for his campaign. However, the court ruled that he and his wife had engaged in a scheme to disguise the origin of the funds, using them to finance their electoral activities. The couple was also accused of using state resources to cover up the illicit financial dealings.
Following the sentencing, Humala's legal team announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the trial was politically motivated and that they had not received a fair hearing. The couple's lawyers emphasized their commitment to fighting the charges, which they view as an attack on political opponents rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
The ruling is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Peru, where multiple high-profile politicians have faced similar allegations in recent years. The case against Humala has highlighted the pervasive influence of corruption in the country's political landscape, stemming from the Odebrecht scandal that has implicated numerous leaders across the region.
As of now, Humala remains in custody, and his future, along with that of his wife, hangs in the balance as they prepare for the appeals process.