Rafael Belaúnde faces scrutiny over mining ties and transparency

Peruvian Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Aubry is facing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest and transparency issues. Public records reveal that his father has served as a director for Paltarumi SAC, a private company involved in the production and sale of gold in Pataz, since May 2026. However, in his official sworn declaration of interests to the Comptroller, the minister stated that his father is a geologist who ‘does not work’.

The province of Pataz is currently under a state of emergency and is subject to military control by the Armed Forces, an institution under the minister's jurisdiction. This has raised ethical concerns regarding the oversight of gold extraction and the potential for familial ties to influence military operations in the region.

Additionally, Belaúnde has faced criticism regarding his management and political circle. Reports indicate he has appointed advisors including relatives of former political candidates and former officials from previous administrations. He has also drawn legal scrutiny for his unconventional participation in a high-profile interrogation of a kidnapped businessman, an action that legal experts and the Attorney General have questioned.