Peru interim President Jose Jeri has come under scrutiny amid suspicions that he may have sought to favor a businessman of Chinese origin in award contracts without a public bidding process. Photo by Vicente Costales/EPA
Peru’s interim president, Jose Jeri, is facing a preliminary investigation over his dealings by the Attorney General’s Office just 100 days into his term after replacing ousted former President Dina Boluarte.
Jeri has come under scrutiny amid suspicions that he may have sought to favor a businessman of Chinese origin in award contracts without a public bidding process.
The probe began Thursday with allegations of illegal sponsorship of interests and influence peddling after reports that Jeri held meetings with businessman Zhihua Yang outside the Government Palace that were not recorded on the official presidential agenda, the newspaper La Republica reported.
The case is being handled under confidentiality rules because it involves a high-ranking state official.
Interim Attorney General Tomas Galvez told Peruvian media that the investigation is based on initial criminal classifications and will seek to establish specific responsibilities as the inquiry advances.
At the same time, the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office is investigating Yang without the procedural limitations that apply to a sitting president.
The case was triggered by a report aired on the television program Punto Final, which broadcast images of the president entering a restaurant wearing a white hood to meet Yang. The restaurant was a “chifa,” — a term used in Peru to describe cuisine that blends Chinese and Peruvian culinary traditions.
Peruvian media have dubbed the scandal “Chifagate.”
The Government Palace acknowledged that the meeting took place, saying it was related to preparations for the upcoming Peru-China Friendship Day, according to RPP Noticias.
The Second Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Corruption of Officials ordered collecting videos and other records to clarify the circumstances surrounding the meetings and the possible involvement of third parties.
Prosecutors are seeking to determine whether irregular dealings or informal agreements occurred that could lead to criminal liability.
Amid the controversy, Jeri sent a formal letter to the Attorney General’s Office and to Congress stating his willingness to cooperate and provide “statements and clarifications” regarding the meetings.
He has, however, ruled out resigning.
“I would resign if I had something to hide and I have not lied to the country, I did nothing illegal. What I want to prevent is a distortion of the facts, which is why I will voluntarily appear before the congressional oversight committee and place myself at the disposal of the Attorney General’s Office,” Jeri said in an interview with Canal N.
The president acknowledged that it was a mistake to hold meetings outside the Government Palace, but warned that the issue is being used to complicate the electoral process scheduled for April.
The political opposition has pushed for measures such as censure motions or even removal from office, though analysts say Jeri’s ouster is unlikely ahead of the general elections set for April 2026.
Jeri assumed the presidency Oct. 10, 2025, after Boluarte was removed from office, and he was sworn in as head of state in his capacity as president of Congress, placing him in the role on an interim basis.
His administration has been marked by questions over transparency and ties to business interests, the newspaper Diario Estrategia reported, fueling political debate and drawing criticism from opposition sectors.
The disclosure of the meetings with Yang has prompted requests for a motion declaring moral incapacity and calls for Jeri to appear before Congress to explain his conduct.
Leaders within his own party also have pointed to internal divisions and criticism over how the president has handled the scandal.
