Huacullani Mayor Arrested While Receiving S/30,000 Bribe at Municipal Office in Puno

Huacullani Mayor Magno Tito Apaza Mamani was arrested in the municipal building while allegedly receiving S/30,000 from a company that had won a public contract in Puno.

Anti-corruption police intervened after a representative of Ferbicons Constructores S.A.C. reported that the mayor had requested money in exchange for speeding up payment. The company had secured a S/349,000 contract to install synthetic turf in the Challacollo community.

The mayor allegedly first demanded 10% of the contract, about S/34,900, before reducing the request to S/30,000. The request was reportedly recorded in an audio file, which the company representative handed to authorities. Anti-corruption prosecutor Wilima Otazú then ordered an operation at the Huacullani district municipality, where the alleged payment was made.

Police also detained Marga Clared Mamani Chambilla, an assistant in the treasury unit, and Rocío Ana Flores Maquera, the municipality’s treasurer. Investigators reportedly found the money with Mamani Chambilla, along with WhatsApp communications between her and Apaza Mamani that remain under investigation. The two workers allegedly blamed the mayor for requesting the money but did not provide further details about how the payment was arranged.

Public prosecutors said the three suspects had acknowledged the allegations and were considering an expedited procedure. Under that mechanism, an accused person can accept responsibility and agree with prosecutors on a sentence and civil compensation in exchange for a reduced penalty. Any such agreement would require judicial approval. The investigation continues to determine each person’s responsibility and how the alleged bribe was requested and delivered.