Paraguay: University suspends professor accused of money laundering

The National University of Asunción's (UNA) Law Faculty has suspended Wilfrido Cáceres, an auxiliary professor of Commercial Law I, following media reports detailing accusations of money laundering and illicit enrichment. Cáceres, who previously served as chief of staff to Asunción Mayor Óscar "Nenecho" Rodríguez, is also implicated in irregular purchases made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to suspend Cáceres "preventively" was issued by Law Faculty Dean Gustavo González Morel. The suspension aims to clarify the alleged offenses and protect the institution's image. Cáceres's case gained public attention after a local newspaper published details of the accusations against him.

Cáceres is accused of illicit enrichment and money laundering, stemming from a fortune he allegedly amassed during the pandemic. This period also saw the construction of a luxurious mansion, coinciding with the issuance of G6 and G7 bonds. He was a trusted aide to Mayor Rodríguez, and his alleged corruption occurred during their time in office.

The trial for Cáceres and his wife, Ruth Da Silva, who also faces charges, was postponed to July 27 by the Specialized Economic Crimes Sentencing Court. Cáceres has maintained his right to the presumption of innocence, arguing that his legal situation should not affect his students.

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In attention to the facts that are denounced in the different mass media, with respect to the auxiliary teacher of teaching, lawyer Wilfrido Adrián Cáceres Flores, before the possible commission or not of punishable acts, and in attention to safeguarding the institutional image, dispose of the preventive suspension in his functions, while the aforementioned facts are clarified.