Hidden Safe Found Behind Fake Wall in Ex-President's Mansion

Authorities uncovered a concealed, high-security safe hidden behind a false wall during a police raid on the luxury estate of former Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. The operation took place on Sunday, November 8, at the property located in San Bernardino, near the capital Asuncion. While investigators identified the vault, they were unable to open it due to its advanced security mechanisms.

Investigation into Ueno Bank Collapse

The search was conducted as part of a financial probe triggered by the collapse of Ueno Bank. Prosecutors and police teams targeted the residence to examine allegations regarding how the bank financed the construction of the mansion. According to local media reports, specifically from ABC Color, officers found a secret passage leading to a reinforced door within one of the rooms.

Preliminary assessments indicated that the door was protected by digital password and biometric recognition systems. Speculation suggests the vault may utilize Israeli-made security technology featuring iris and facial recognition capabilities, though these technical specifications have not been officially confirmed. Consequently, the contents of the safe remain unknown.

Mansion Valuation and Loan Details

Local press estimates the value of Peña’s San Bernardino property at approximately $2 million. The structure sits on a plot of land covering roughly 5,000 square meters, with a built-up area totaling 1,015 square meters. Investigation files reveal that the former president secured two loans from Ueno Bank exceeding 3.5 billion Paraguayan guaranis for the construction project in May 2024.

Monthly repayment installments for these loans reached 239 million guaranis. This figure represents nearly six times the salary Peña received while serving as president. The financial discrepancies have become a central focus of the ongoing inquiry into his assets and banking relationships.

Legal Proceedings Against Former Leader

Peña faces charges related to incitement to breach of trust and self-serving management activities connected to Ueno Bank’s financial downfall. On November 6, the Paraguayan Congress removed him from office, followed by a judicial decision to hold him in pre-trial detention. The prosecution is also scrutinizing transactions involving public funds and pension reserves held at the bank.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed the execution of the search warrant at the mansion. However, detailed information about the hidden vault relies primarily on accounts provided by local news outlets. Officials continue their examination to determine the connection between the secret compartment and the broader corruption investigation. It remains unclear whether the safe contained cash, documents, or other valuables.