• Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has been charged with insurrection and conspiracy.
• Six police officers suspected have been arrested.
• Former commanders allege Castillo’s government pressured them to elevate unqualified personnel.

According to the interior ministry, three police generals and three other individuals were arrested in Peru on Monday for alleged involvement in the corruption investigation against former president Pedro Castillo.

The six police officers suspected of involvement in “irregular promotions” were apprehended in a “mega-operation,” according to a ministry statement.

Three of the six are active police generals suspected of approving promotions in exchange for money with Castillo’s consent.

The operation encompassed searches in multiple locations, including two residences in Lima belonging to the also-under-investigation former defence minister Walter Ayala, according to the government.

Ayala and Castillo have both refuted the allegations.

General Jose Vizcarra and Jorge Chaparro, former commanders of the army and air force, respectively, stated in November that Castillo’s government had exerted pressure on them to elevate unqualified personnel.

Castillo was removed from office and imprisoned on December 7 after attempting a self-coup by dissolving parliament in order to rule by decree.

Castillo, who served as president for less than 15 months, is now charged with insurrection and conspiracy and has been ordered to spend 18 months in pre-trial incarceration.

The dismissal of the former rural school teacher and union leader sparked nationwide protests, with the Peruvian ombudsman for human rights reporting 22 deaths and over 600 injuries.

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