The Second Criminal Court granted substitute measures to Pedro Dukeaccused in the case for the alleged embezzlement of Q20 million from the National Mortgage Credit (CHN).
The resolution was issued this June 10 during a hearing to review the coercion measure. Duque did not appear personally and was represented by his defense.
The judge decided to replace preventive detention with the use of a telematic monitoring device, the costs of which must be covered; Sign the attendance book every 15 days at the San José Pinula Prosecutor’s Office, and pay a financial bond.
This was the second time in less than two weeks that Duque requested a review of the coercive measure to regain his freedom. On May 26, the Second Criminal Court rejected a similar request and maintained preventive detention against Duque and two others involved in the case.
Pedro Duque remains linked to criminal proceedings for the possible commission of the crimes of continued personal fraud, laundering of money or other assets and illicit association.
According to the investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime of the Public Ministry, a structure would have stolen Q20 million from the CHN through the use of cardboard companies, irregular banking procedures and extra financing authorized without internal controls.
According to the Public Ministry (MP), between January and March 2024, loans of up to Q400 thousand per person were approved, despite the fact that the beneficiaries did not have the economic profile to access those amounts.
The Prosecutor’s Office also points out that a company linked to Duque would have acquired high-end vehicles without adequate financial support.
Duque’s request rejected
On May 26, the same court rejected a request for alternative measures presented by Duque and two other defendants, María Fernanda Segura and William Rocael López Trigueros. On that occasion, the judge declared the appeals raised by the defense inadmissible and maintained the preventive detention.
Segura is investigated for alleged personal fraud, money laundering and illicit association. López continues to be prosecuted for the crimes of continued personal fraud, money laundering, illicit association and use of falsified documents.