Controversy over PNP audios involves President Dina Boluarte and her cabinet.

Last Sunday, the controversy surrounding the security and management of the Ministry of the Interior reached a new level following the dissemination of alleged audio recordings made by Captain PNP Junior Izquierdo, known in police circles as "Culebra." These audios have sparked a whirlwind of political reactions, particularly due to content that allegedly implicates President Dina Boluarte. According to Izquierdo, the president supposedly requested Juan José Santiváñez, the Minister of the Interior, to close the Division of Investigations of High Complexity Crimes (Diviac), something Santiváñez has vehemently denied on several occasions. In an excerpt from the audio, Santiváñez allegedly responds to Boluarte by stating that he could deactivate Diviac, which has triggered a wave of criticism and speculation regarding the intent behind the request. However, the Minister of the Interior has described the recordings as manipulated, indicating that he did not recognize the voices heard in the audios. In a radio intervention, Santiváñez warned that there are up to three overlapping voices in the recording, which, according to him, casts doubt on the authenticity of the material presented by Izquierdo. Santiváñez's complaint is not limited to defending his image; he has also filed legal action against Captain Izquierdo, accusing him of spreading false information with the intent to destabilize his management. In his argument, the minister emphasized that these audios are not only a personal attack but also seek to damage the image of the Ministry of the Interior and its commitment to citizen security. In the current political context, Santiváñez's statements have sparked a debate about transparency and ethics in the handling of information in public institutions. Pressure on the minister is intensifying, especially at a time when the country is facing increasing challenges regarding security and trust in its authorities. Santiváñez's management, already questioned by various sectors, seems to be on shaky ground as more details about the alleged manipulation of the audios emerge. Meanwhile, several political parties have begun to react to this scandal. From Fuerza Popular, there have been calls for President Boluarte to clarify her supposed involvement in the request to close Diviac, adding another layer of political pressure on the executive. The lack of clarity regarding the connections between the president and her cabinet has only fueled conspiracy theories surrounding this case. Additionally, the situation has put the spotlight on Santiváñez's relationship with Captain Izquierdo. Although the minister has acknowledged his friendship with the officer, he has insisted that the recordings do not reflect authentic conversations between them. This contradiction in his narrative has led many to question the extent to which dynamics of power and friendship may influence the decisions of public officials. The upcoming legal process will bring a series of expert evaluations to determine the authenticity of the audios. The Minister of the Interior is confident that the expert evidence will demonstrate that the voice does not belong to him and that, therefore, the conversation never took place. However, the wait for results could create a vacuum of trust among citizens, who are already weary of scandals in Peruvian politics. Amid this turmoil, Santiváñez has also addressed the legal costs associated with his defense. In an attempt to minimize the financial impact on the state, the minister has stated that the cost of his defense is "cheap," suggesting that the lawyer he hired represents a reasonable expense compared to the seriousness of the situation he faces. However, these comments may be interpreted as a lack of sensitivity toward public perception regarding the use of state resources to defend an accused official. As the case develops, media attention and public opinion will remain focused on the veracity of the audios and the implications this has for Dina Boluarte's administration. The Ministry of the Interior faces a critical challenge, not only to maintain its credibility but also to ensure citizen trust at a time when security is a national priority. The resolution of this conflict will be essential for Santiváñez's political future and, by extension, for the stability of the current government.