Police in Peru conducted a raid on President Dina Boluarte’s residence as part of an investigation into alleged corruption, dubbed “Rolexgate.”

Authorities were searching for over a dozen Rolex watches that President Boluarte purportedly failed to declare.

The probe was initiated after a news report highlighted the luxury watches she wore at public events, dating back to her assumption of office in December 2022.

Peru’s government criticized the raid on Saturday, labeling it “disproportionate and unconstitutional.”

“The political turmoil surrounding this issue is grave, impacting investments and the entire nation,” stated Peruvian Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen on social media.

The government’s comptroller had previously announced its intention to scrutinize Ms. Boluarte’s asset declarations for the past two years.

In remarks made last week, Ms. Boluarte asserted her innocence, stating she entered office “with clean hands” and would leave likewise. She defended her ownership of a Rolex as an old item acquired from her earnings since the age of 18.

The raid, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, was a collaborative effort between the police and the prosecutor’s office, broadcast on local television channel Latina.

Police forcibly entered the president’s residence after attempts to gain entry peacefully were unsuccessful.

Approximately 20 officials from the public prosecutor’s office and 20 police officers conducted raids in the Lima district of Surquillo, near the government palace, which was also searched.

While the president has not yet responded to the raids, Prime Minister Adrianzen confirmed she was at her office.

In an interview with the RPP radio station, the prime minister affirmed that there was no intention on Ms. Boluarte’s part to resign.

The raids followed prosecutors’ rejection of Ms. Boluarte’s request for additional time to respond to a subpoena demanding proof of purchase for her watches.

Ms. Boluarte, a former lawyer, ascended to the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress and govern by decree.

Mr. Castillo’s removal triggered violent protests demanding Ms. Boluarte’s resignation and fresh elections, resulting in numerous casualties.