La Fiscalía de Paraguay allana un inmueble del expresidente Peña en el marco de la investigación por Ueno Bank

In a notable development linked to the ongoing investigation into the financial turmoil surrounding Ueno Bank, Paraguayan authorities have executed a search at a property tied to former President Santiago Peña. The operation took place in San Bernardino, specifically in the Ciervo Cuá area, and was led by prosecutors Silvia González, Christian Benítez, and Elena Fiore, alongside the National Police.

This action forms part of a broader judicial probe following Peña’s formal charges and preventive detention related to alleged offenses including breach of trust as an instigator and self-serving management. The property under scrutiny is estimated to be worth approximately 7.7 billion guaraníes, equivalent to around 1.1 million euros, and was reportedly acquired through two loans from Ueno Bank in May 2024.

During the search, officials discovered a concealed vault behind a false wall equipped with a sophisticated security system. However, access to this vault was not immediately possible. This finding adds a complex layer to the investigation, which is focused on tracing and clarifying the deployment and retention of substantial public and pension funds within Ueno Bank.

Peña faces allegations of involvement in the misplacement of public resources totaling nearly 3.6 trillion guaraníes (about 505 million euros) and 233.4 million US dollars (approximately 206.6 million euros). These funds were held in Ueno Bank, an institution linked to Peña through his previous business holdings.

The bank’s failure prompted the intervention of Paraguay’s central banking authority and contributed significantly to the political fallout that culminated in Peña’s resignation. Subsequently, his vice president, Pedro Alliana, assumed the presidency.

The legal proceedings against Peña mark a critical chapter in Paraguay’s efforts to hold former officials accountable amid one of the country’s most significant financial scandals. The case underscores the intricate ties between political leadership and financial institutions, highlighting the risks posed when public funds are intertwined with private banking interests.

While the investigation progresses, details remain limited regarding the contents of the hidden vault and the broader implications of its discovery. The authorities’ focus continues on unraveling the full extent of the alleged financial misconduct and securing justice in a case that has shaken Paraguay’s political and economic spheres.

As the judiciary advances its work, international observers and domestic stakeholders await further information that may clarify the circumstances leading to the collapse of Ueno Bank and the role played by high-level figures such as Peña. The outcomes will likely influence Paraguay’s governance and regulatory frameworks moving forward.