Ollanta Humala, Peru’s former president, was released from Barbadillo Prison in Lima after the country’s constitutional court annulled his 15-year prison sentence for corruption.

Humala, who led Peru from 2011 to 2016, had been convicted in 2025 for allegedly accepting illicit campaign funding from Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez and Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht during his 2006 and 2011 presidential bids.

The constitutional court declared the entire criminal process against Humala null and void, with his lawyer Julio Espinoza Goyena stating on social media that the funds received did not constitute money laundering. He urged the criminal chamber to dismiss all charges and confirm Humala’s freedom.

Humala’s wife, Nadine Heredia, who was also sentenced to 15 years for money laundering, sought asylum in the Brazilian embassy and later traveled to Brazil.

Speaking outside prison, Humala said, "We have been victims of political and judicial persecution."

Broader Odebrecht Scandal Impact

Humala was the first of four Peruvian presidents implicated in the Odebrecht corruption scandal, which involved massive bribery to secure government contracts.

  • Alejandro Toledo (2001–2006) is serving over 20 years for accepting $35 million in bribes.
  • Alan García (1985–1990, 2006–2011) died by suicide in 2019 amid impending arrest over Odebrecht allegations.
  • Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016–2018) faced impeachment related to Odebrecht payments but denies wrongdoing; investigations continue.

Humala and Heredia were accused of receiving $3 million from Odebrecht for the 2011 campaign and $200,000 from Chávez for the 2006 campaign, claims they consistently denied, citing political persecution.

Political Background

Humala, a former army officer, first gained national attention in 2000 after leading a brief military uprising against then-president Alberto Fujimori. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2006 on a Chávez-inspired socialist platform, then successfully in 2011 with a more moderate approach modeled after Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The legal challenges began after his presidency ended in 2016, following Odebrecht’s admission of widespread bribery across Latin America.