American Marconi Wireless News - Peru leader under investigation for influence peddling

This is the second probe opened by the attorney general's office into Jeri and comes as Congress gathers signatures for a motion to impeach him for "misconduct in office and lack of suitability" to lead the South American country.

The attorney general's office told AFP it had launched a preliminary probe for "aggravated" influence peddling "to the detriment of the Peruvian state" against Jeri, who succeeded the hugely unpopular Dina Boluarte after her impeachment last October.

Jeri has not yet commented on the latest investigation.

He will be questioned by Attorney General Tomas Galvez on March 2, according to the case documents, which AFP obtained.

The investigation aims to determine "whether the president exerted undue influence" in the appointments of the women between October and January.

The allegations came to light after the investigative TV program Cuarto Poder reported that five young women were hired in the president's office and the environment ministry after visiting Jeri.

The presidency last week described the reports as "malicious and biased" and an attack on "the dignity and good name" of the women.

Prosecutors said Jeri was suspected of influencing the irregular hiring of nine women in total.

The new investigation comes hot on the heels of an earlier probe launched in January over his secret meeting with a Chinese businessman who has contacts with the government.

Peru is experiencing a prolonged political crisis, which has seen it burn through seven presidents since 2016.

The country will hold general elections in April.

Jeri, the former speaker of the country's legislature, is not running for president.

G.Stevens--AMWN