Former advisor sues Senator Camila Flores over alleged salary "quota"

A former advisor to Chilean Senator Camila Flores has filed a lawsuit against the lawmaker, accusing her of illegally demanding a portion of his salary. The case, dubbed "cuota Flores," centers on allegations that Flores, during her time as a deputy, required her staff to return a percentage of their pay in cash to cover what she claimed were extra expenses.

Julio Lillo, a public relations professional who worked as support staff for Flores in the Chamber of Deputies until March, detailed the alleged offense in his legal action. Radio Biobío reported that the complaint targets a crime defined in the Penal Code under "frauds and illegal exactions." Article 241 of the code penalizes public employees who directly or indirectly demand higher fees than those prescribed by their office, or seek financial benefits for themselves or a third party for executing an act of their position for which no fees are set.

In his statement to the Prosecutor's Office as part of the "cuota Flores" investigation, Lillo recounted that Flores told him she had many expenses and was in a difficult financial situation, asking him to reimburse a specific amount from his salary. He added that she presented this as a temporary measure until her finances improved, a promise that was never fulfilled.

The investigation, which has already led to a search of the senator's office and the seizure of two computers, is ongoing. The case has resurfaced discussions about ethical conduct and the use of public funds within the political sphere in Chile.