LIMA, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra dismissed claims on Wednesday that he had ties with a criminal organization.
"I have no relationship whatsoever with this person who is where he should be, in jail," said Vizcarra, referring to businessman Antonio Camayo, who is being imprisoned for his involvement with a criminal organization.
The crime ring, known as "Los Cuellos Blancos del Puerto," or "The White Collars of the Port," operates out of Callao province with alleged cooperation of businessmen, magistrates and politicians.
Congress President Daniel Salaverry demanded that Vizcarra respond as he was implicated in recently exposed recorded conversations of two judges accused of illegal dealings.
Supreme court judge Cesar Hinostroza has been suspended and Walter Rios, head of the Appeals Court, has been arrested after some audio tapes recently surfaced revealing that certain judges, businessmen, attorneys and politicians discussed exchanging political and judicial favors for financial benefits related to Camayo's group.
Vizcarra's government has announced judicial reforms to uproot systematic corruption.
