**Ollanta Humala and Nadine Heredia face severe repercussions for money laundering linked to a major Latin American corruption probe.**
**Peru's Ex-Leader and First Lady Handed 15-Year Sentences Amid Corruption Scandal**
**Peru's Ex-Leader and First Lady Handed 15-Year Sentences Amid Corruption Scandal**
**Nadine Heredia Seeks Asylum in Brazil Following Sentencing of Her and Husband, Ollanta Humala**
On Tuesday, a significant ruling emerged from Peru as former President Ollanta Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia, were sentenced to 15 years in prison for money laundering. Following the pronouncement, Ms. Heredia fled to the Brazilian Embassy in Lima, seeking asylum from the charges that have already entangled multiple former leaders in the region.
The legal troubles for the couple stem from accusations that they laundered substantial sums of money—nearly $3 million—from the notorious Odebrecht construction firm amid a widespread corruption scheme that has sent multiple Latin American officials into political turmoil. Humala's conviction represented his role in securing these funds for his 2011 presidential campaign and previously accepting money from Venezuela's late president Hugo Chávez during an attempt at office in 2006.
Despite the severe charges, both Humala and Heredia have maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings. The sentences further highlight Peru's struggle with political corruption, with Humala now marking the third former president in less than two decades to be sentenced to prison on similar grounds. The country has even repurposed facilities, originally intended for policing, to accommodate the rising number of incarcerated former officials.
As Humala was escorted away from the courtroom on Tuesday, Heredia reportedly chose not to appear for the sentencing, leading to her quick retreat to the embassy where she sought refuge.
The legal troubles for the couple stem from accusations that they laundered substantial sums of money—nearly $3 million—from the notorious Odebrecht construction firm amid a widespread corruption scheme that has sent multiple Latin American officials into political turmoil. Humala's conviction represented his role in securing these funds for his 2011 presidential campaign and previously accepting money from Venezuela's late president Hugo Chávez during an attempt at office in 2006.
Despite the severe charges, both Humala and Heredia have maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings. The sentences further highlight Peru's struggle with political corruption, with Humala now marking the third former president in less than two decades to be sentenced to prison on similar grounds. The country has even repurposed facilities, originally intended for policing, to accommodate the rising number of incarcerated former officials.
As Humala was escorted away from the courtroom on Tuesday, Heredia reportedly chose not to appear for the sentencing, leading to her quick retreat to the embassy where she sought refuge.
