The video of a Brazilian stripper stole the attention of the participants of a virtual public hearing on corruption investigations involving the president of Peru, Pedro Castillo, this Wednesday (15). The content was broadcast live to the public.
The images with Brazilian Ricardo Milos dancing and wearing only a loincloth with the flag of the United States, which went viral on social networks a few years ago, were shared by the account of user Benji Espinosa, a member of Castillo’s defense.
To Reuters, he denied being responsible for sharing the video and claimed to have been the victim of a cyber crime. “The video appeared abruptly, giving the impression that it came from my account, which I deny,” he said. The audience was suspended for a few minutes after viewing the content.
The lawyer added that he has already filed a court complaint alleging that the episode shows how vulnerable the Peruvian Judiciary’s virtual system is to attacks. The hearing was remote due to the Covid pandemic, and President Castillo was not attending.
The session was broadcast live on TV Justiça, the channel of the Judiciary Branch of Peru, and retransmitted by Canal N. The hearing was convened at the request of the president’s defense, which is trying to stop the investigation for alleged influence peddling and criminal organization.
Castillo is under investigation for allegations that, along with a former Minister of Transport, six parliamentarians, a former Secretary General of the Presidency and two of his nephews, he was part of a criminal network that awarded contracts for public works. The case is known locally as Puente Tarata 3.
Peruvian law does not allow a president to be prosecuted while he is in power — an argument used by Castillo’s defense — but it does not prevent investigations from advancing. Wrapped in a series of crises and vacancy requests, the leftist remains in power until 2026.
In the middle of the hearing, Judge Juan Soria caught the attention of attorney Benji Espinoza. “There is some interference coming from the lawyer’s computer and showing very suggestive images,” he said.
