Sunat has had six bosses in less than two years

The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) appointed Javier Eduardo Franco Castillo as new head of the National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (Sunat). The official became the sixth head of this institution in less than two years.

In terms of amount, a positive flow of S/26,130 million was recorded during the last 12 months, Scotiabank reported.

Also serving in the position were Edward Tovar, who was only there for 25 days; Marilú Llerena for approximately six months; Víctor Mejía for five months; Gerado López for seven months; and Luis Vera for four years (his term ended in March 2024).

For tax official Jorge Picón, this instability prevents actions from being carried out to fight drug trafficking, illegal mining, or reducing informality, which represents more than 70% of employment.

“Before, the heads of Sunat lasted at least four years in office, but now only a few months. With this, plans to combat illegal mining cannot be created,” he stated.

Likewise, he stated that, although tax collection increases every month, this is mainly a reflection of metal prices, and “not because Sunat is lifting a single finger to make the figures rise.”

For this reason, he considered that it is necessary for the Superintendency to have autonomy similar to that of the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), so that it does not depend on the Minister of Economy and Finance on duty.

Receive your Perú21 by email or WhatsApp. Subscribe to our enriched digital newspaper. Take advantage of the discounts here.