Paraguayan Prosecutors Find Empty Vaults in Peña Corruption Investigation
Authorities search former president's residence and bank headquarters for evidence of financial crimes.
1Empty Vaults Discovered
Paraguayan prosecutors opened a hidden armored vault at former President Santiago Peña’s San Bernardino summer house on Tuesday. Despite the complex security system, the room was found completely empty, containing no valuables. Defense lawyers claimed the space was originally designed as a panic room rather than a secure storage facility for illicit assets.
2Bank Headquarters Raided
Investigators simultaneously searched the Ueno Bank headquarters, known as La Matrix, uncovering two additional hidden safes. One safe, located behind a wall in a rooftop bathroom, contained only documents and drinks. A second safe, hidden in a false bottom within an office bathroom, held approximately 14,000 US dollars in cash and empty bags.
3Suspicious Vehicle Movements
Local neighbors reported that three SUVs departed the former president's residence multiple times on Friday, November 5. This activity coincided with the commencement of Peña’s impeachment trial in the Senate. Surveillance footage captured the vehicles' movements, though the contents transported during these departures remain unknown to the investigators currently managing the seized property.
4Asset Management Transfer
The summer residence, valued at approximately 7.7 billion guaranies or 1.25 million US dollars, was financed through loans from Ueno Bank. Following the legal proceedings, the property has been transferred to the administration of Senabico. This state body is responsible for managing assets seized during ongoing criminal investigations involving high-profile public officials.
5Legal Charges Escalating
An appeals court recently upheld the pre-trial detention of former vice-president and bank executive Miguel Vazquez. The court expanded his legal classification to include money laundering and criminal association. Vazquez now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, according to reports from the Paraguayan newspaper La Nacion regarding the case.
6Peña Faces Serious Allegations
Former President Santiago Peña remains in pre-trial detention since Saturday, facing charges of breach of trust and self-serving administration. Prosecutors estimate the total financial damage linked to these allegations at approximately 809 million US dollars. Peña continues to maintain his innocence throughout the ongoing legal process regarding his tenure and financial dealings.
7Political Backlash Intensifies
Opposition lawmakers are criticizing the prosecution for failing to seize Peña’s mobile phone and delaying the raids. Critics argue these delays provided an opportunity for evidence to be removed from the sites. Consequently, there are active calls for the impeachment of Attorney General Emiliano Rolon, though the Colorado Party currently holds sufficient votes.
8Broader Implications of Investigation
The case highlights deep systemic tensions within Paraguay’s political and financial sectors. With the state seizing assets and high-ranking officials facing long-term imprisonment, the investigation represents a significant test for the country's judicial independence. Observers are now watching to see if further evidence emerges to substantiate the massive 809 million dollar damage claim.