Recusal stalls probe into alleged 'fake lawyer' running for Luque council

An investigation into Hans Hermann Kemper Rojas, a candidate for council in Luque, Paraguay, is currently paralyzed due to a recusal motion filed against the prosecutor handling the case. Rojas is accused of possessing a fake law degree from Universidad Sudamericana, an institution also linked to other politicians with questionable academic credentials.

The investigation was halted two weeks ago when Rojas filed the recusal against Capiatá prosecutor Carolina Martínez. The case now rests with Assistant Prosecutor Edgar Moreno, who must determine whether to uphold Martínez's role or appoint a new prosecutor to continue the inquiry.

According to Supreme Court of Justice records, Rojas graduated from Universidad Sudamericana in 2017, two years after the law program's closure was announced. His lawyer's license was issued in 2021. Earlier this month, Martínez's office raided Rojas's purported law office in Luque following a citizen complaint, but Rojas was not present.

Rojas is a known activist for the Honor Colorado movement and has been accused of pressuring educators for political support. His political allies reportedly include Francisco Canatta, the departmental education director for Central. He is running for council under the Honor Colorado banner, supporting Hugo Farías, who is also under investigation for alleged illicit enrichment.

Before her recusal, Prosecutor Martínez had requested reports from educational institutions and state bodies to verify Rojas's academic background. These efforts included seeking information from the National Council of Higher Education.