Key Witness in Lima Corruption Trial Found Dead Ahead of Major Hearing

José Miguel Castro, a municipality official under Villarán from 2011 to 2014, was found dead at his home. He was a crucial co-defendant in the corruption case against Villarán, who stands accused of accepting bribes totaling $10 million from prominent construction companies. His death, just three months before the trial, has raised concerns among prosecutors about the impact on the proceedings, particularly as Castro was collaborating actively with investigators. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and authorities expressed their disappointment at losing such an important witness. Villarán’s case is part of a broader investigation into corruption linked to the Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht, which has implicated numerous Peruvian officials and resulted in serious legal repercussions for former presidents.

Years of Corruption: Villarán's Trial Weighs Heavy on Peru’s Political Landscape

The upcoming trial against Villarán is set for September 23, amid a tumultuous backdrop of political corruption that has entrapped several high-profile figures in Peru. Villarán, now 75, faces charges of collusion, money laundering, and operating a criminal organization that allegedly profited from construction bribes. Prosecutors detail that Castro had a key role in Villarán's administration and was considered second-in-command of the alleged organization. In previous statements, Villarán admitted to accepting funds for her campaigns from Odebrecht and OAS but denied they constituted bribes. The scandal has sparked widespread outrage and governmental shifts across Latin America, instigating legal actions against various political leaders, including the recent convictions of former presidents for corruption.

The future of the trial now hangs uncertain following Castro’s mysterious death, prompting many to speculate about the potential implications for justice and political accountability in Peru.