Peru Defense Ministry advisor investigated for ghost worker scheme

Maritza Manturano Castro, the current Chief of the Cabinet of Advisors for Peru's Ministry of Defense, is under criminal investigation for alleged involvement in a criminal organization and aggravated collusion.

The investigation focuses on her tenure as general manager of the Municipal Real Estate Company of Lima (Emilima S.A.) starting in 2019. Prosecutors allege Manturano led a network known as ‘Los servidores fantasmas de EMILIMA,’ which utilized fraudulent payment orders for 22 service providers who never actually performed work. These funds were allegedly diverted to her close associates.

Evidence presented by the Public Ministry includes audio recordings from effective collaborators. In one recording from November 2023, Manturano reportedly instructed individuals on how to evade criminal responsibility by memorizing specific answers to avoid detection. Additionally, a provider admitted to receiving state funds for unrendered services while concealing a personal friendship with the former manager.