Overview
- At a March 11 hearing, prosecutor Denis Pérez asked the court to prolong Hurtado’s detention, citing a complex influence-peddling probe that also involves senior prosecutor Elizabeth Peralta.
- Prosecutors presented alleged new elements that include the use of eight phone lines despite only two being declared, testimony about directing money transfers to third parties, and attempts to sway witnesses by imposing attorney Elio Riera.
- The Ministerio Público argued there is a flight risk because Hurtado lacks a stable domicile and his employment with Panamericana Televisión is suspended, with network owner Jimmy Pflucker listed as an aggrieved party.
- The defense countered that the preparatory investigation has concluded and no money trail has been established, asking the court to replace detention with supervised release with restrictions.
- If the court grants the motion, Hurtado would remain jailed for 18 additional months into late 2027 as financial analyses proceed and the secrecy of communications is lifted for the Siucho Neira brothers and other implicated figures.