Peru Navy Officials Held in Alleged Spying Probe
Peru Navy Officials Held in Alleged Spying Probe
Investigation under way into allegations they spied for Chile
By Robert Kozak
Feb. 19, 2015 2:29 p.m. ET
LIMA, Peru—Peru said it has placed two naval officials in detention amid an investigation into allegations that they spied for Chile.
Peru has had tense diplomatic relations with Chile for years and the two neighbors are still involved in a dispute over their land border. The spying allegations could worsen bilateral relations, Peruvian officials said. Chilean officials, however, said they haven’t been notified of any complaint.
Peruvian Defense Minister Pedro Cateriano said at a news conference Thursday that a probe showed the naval officials made a number of trips outside of Peru, without being able to back up how the trips were paid for. He said most of the alleged spying took place from 2005 to 2012.
The men are being held in a naval prison while investigations for treason and other charges take place, government officials said.
Government news agency Andina said that both men were initially contacted by alleged Chilean agents who paid them for information about surveillance by the Peruvian navy on fishing boats.
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