Peru faced a major political shock on Wednesday after a national court sentenced former President Martín Vizcarra to 14 years in prison. Judges found him guilty of taking $676,000 in bribes from construction companies while he served as governor of the southern region of Moquegua between 2011 and 2014. According to the verdict, the payments were made in exchange for public works contracts.
This ruling adds to the long list of corruption cases that have troubled Peru for years. The case against Martín Vizcarra is linked to the massive Lava Jato scandal, which uncovered widespread bribery involving political leaders and the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, now known as Novonor (ODBES.UL). The investigation spread across many countries in Latin America, and Peru has been one of the most heavily affected.
Trial Highlights and Defense Response
The trial began in October of last year. Throughout the hearings, Martín Vizcarra denied taking any bribes. He insisted that he was innocent and claimed the accusations were part of a political attack. Moments after the court announced the sentence, he said on social media that the decision was “not justice,” calling it “revenge.” He also stated that such actions would not break him.
His lawyer, Erwin Siccha, said that the defense had already filed an appeal. He argued that the state relied on witnesses who worked with companies previously accused of corruption by Martín Vizcarra himself. The verdict also bars the former president from holding public office for nine years, adding to a separate 10-year ban placed on him by Congress in 2021 after he dissolved the legislature in 2019. Despite that ban, he received the highest number of congressional votes in the 2021 election.
A Country Shaken by Years of Political Instability
Peru has struggled with political turmoil, having cycled through six presidents since 2018. Many of these transitions happened due to corruption scandals, impeachment proceedings, and resignations. The conviction of Martín Vizcarra is another significant moment in this long period of instability.
Done’s founder and clinical president convicted in controlled substance and fraud case
He became president in 2018 after his predecessor stepped down during a corruption probe. His presidency ended in 2020 when Congress removed him amid another investigation involving alleged graft. His dismissal led to large protests and further political unrest.
Even after leaving office, Martín Vizcarra continued to play an active role in political discussions. He served as an adviser within the Peru First party, which plans to participate in the April 2026 presidential election. His older brother, Mario Vizcarra, will run for president under that party. After the sentencing, Martín Vizcarra expressed that the “answer lies in the voting booth,” saying his brother would continue the fight.
According to his lawyer, Erwin Siccha, the witnesses in the trial were executives from construction companies that had been reported for corruption in the past. The defense argued that this made their statements unreliable.
A Prison Already Holding Former Presidents Awaits Vizcarra
Following the decision, Martín Vizcarra is expected to be moved to a Lima prison that currently holds three former Peruvian presidents. Alejandro Toledo and Ollanta Humala are serving sentences for corruption connected to the Lava Jato cases. Pedro Castillo is also being held there as he faces rebellion charges.
The fact that several former leaders are in the same facility highlights the depth of Peru’s corruption crisis. With this latest ruling, Martín Vizcarra joins a growing list of former presidents facing serious legal consequences.