In a historic ruling, Peru's High Court sentenced former President Jorge Umalá and his wife, Nadine Erediá, to 15 years in prison on April 15 for laundering illicit funds tied to Brazil's Odebrecht conglomerate. The court found the couple concealed millions from the construction giant during Umalá's 2011 presidential campaign, using the money to purchase luxury properties in Lima.
Erediá's brother, Ilan Erediá, received a 12-year sentence for his role in the scheme. The verdict takes immediate effect, compelling Umalá’s transfer to a Lima prison, though Peruvian law permits appeals. Both Umalá and his wife had previously served 18 months in detention during investigations into their dealings with Odebrecht, which admitted to paying bribes across Latin America in a 2016 plea deal.
This decision marks Peru's latest effort to address systemic corruption linked to the "Car Wash" scandal, which has implicated politicians and businesses regionwide. Analysts suggest the ruling could reassure investors monitoring Latin America’s shifting regulatory landscapes while highlighting ongoing challenges in combating graft.
Umalá’s presidency (2011–2016) was clouded by corruption allegations, reflecting broader instability in Peruvian politics—four presidents have faced criminal charges since 2018. The case underscores deepening judicial resolve to hold leaders accountable, though critics argue reforms remain incomplete.
