(CNN Spanish) — Yenifer Paredes Navarro, the sister-in-law of Peru’s president, turned herself in to authorities this Wednesday, a source familiar with the case confirmed to CNN.
Paredes was wanted by Peruvian authorities in the framework of an investigation into the “crime against public administration in order to influence the state to its detriment”.
Paredes’ lawyer told the newspaper Wednesday Republic She said she did not know her whereabouts and was unaware of the preliminary arrests, saying the actions of the prosecutor’s office were “a political issue.”
On Tuesday, investigators arrived at the National Palace in search of Paredes, after the Eighth Investigative Court of the Special Criminal Justice Department ordered the “immediate location and capture” of Paredes and three businessmen, according to a CNN document accessed.
A team of lawyers and a special team of police were at the Government House late Tuesday afternoon, but they did not find her till nightfall, according to sources close to the prosecutor’s office.
In newspaper reports Republic, Paredes’ lawyer, Jose Quesne, said his whereabouts were unknown. “She lives in Cajamarca and she informed the prosecutor’s office,” he said. Quesnay added, “The prosecutor’s office has requested a preliminary arrest, but the proceedings are being carried out without his knowledge.” He also opined that the activities of the General Ministry are taking place because of political issues. “Justice must not be served at any cost. She (Yennefer Paredes) was not aware of this action,” he said.
This Tuesday night, Castillo sent a message to the nation in which he said “The Government House and the Presidential Palace have again been violated by an illegal search authorized by a judge, incidentally demanding a request to disqualify me. 5 years to remove from the Peruvian people their legitimate government”.
Castillo introduced Paredes as his daughter during the presidential campaign, as he and his wife raised her from a young age. A court order establishes that once Paredes is found, he will be held in custody for 10 days.
Paredes is on preliminary trial for the crime against public administration of influencing the state to its detriment. Weeks ago, the president’s brother-in-law appeared before Congress in response to a subpoena and denied the allegations against him.
CNN has contacted the Peruvian presidency for comment.
First Lady Lilia Paredes gave her statement to the prosecutor’s office on July 8 in the framework of investigations into alleged influence peddling against her sister.
This special committee against corruption of power was created in the prosecutor’s office to investigate officials of the Castillo government and their close circles.
