An audio broadcast by the weekly Hildebrandt in its Trece involves the former director of Mining Formalization of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Wilfredo Portilla Barrea, who accuses the congressman for Junín, Ilich López, of alleged extortion to remain in his position. According to Portilla, he was required to deliver $30,000 through two intermediaries, identified as “Miguel” and “Héctor.”
In the recording, Portilla points out: “The main criminal in all this is Ilich… he has two jackals, two henchmen, his name is Miguel and Héctor. These two guys blackmailed me… I had to contribute 30 thousand dollars for Ilich, and if not, they would take me out”. According to his version, since he did not have that sum, his removal was ordered. The former official emphasizes that his actions were transparent and that the pressure against him would be linked to the interests of certain unions and business groups: “The National Mining and Petroleum Society seeks out the authorities according to its interests and uses these criminals to act.”
The audio also includes criticism of the financial sector and proposes the creation of a bank aimed at small mining: “With one gram of gold each one would get 50 million dollars… That does not suit the groups in power, because this is the Bolshevik revolution of small and artisanal mining”. Portilla assures that the attempts to remove him from office responded to these interests. Until now, Congressman López has not commented on the statements or the alleged reported charge.
