Ifarhu Case: Investigation Against Bernardo Meneses for Extension Peculation Declared Complex

A judge has declared a complex case status for one of the investigations into alleged irregularities at the Institute for the Formation and Utilization of Human Resources (IFARHU). This decision allows the Public Ministry an additional six months to continue its probe.

The investigation centers on former IFARHU director Bernardo Meneses and nine other individuals. They are accused of bribery and embezzlement related to the institute's funds. Meneses himself faces charges of corruption of public officials and embezzlement.

The judge cited the multiplicity of investigated facts and the number of individuals involved as reasons for extending the investigation period. Separately, another hearing concerning a request to consolidate cases related to alleged embezzlement and money laundering involving Meneses and 31 others has been rescheduled for August 24, 2026.

This rescheduling is due to difficulties in notifying several individuals linked to the process and their failure to respond to the Prosecutor's Office's calls. The original investigations were prompted by a preliminary audit by the General Comptroller's Office, which identified alleged irregularities during the previous five-year term.