During the night of last Friday, a shadow of corruption and controversy hung over the Investigative Police (PDI) of Chile. Sergio Muñoz, until then general director of the PDI, abruptly presented his resignation after his residence was raided and he was notified of his upcoming formalization on Tuesday, March 19. This sudden turn comes amid accusations that suggest that Muñoz had provided privileged information to lawyer Luis Hermosilla, a key figure in a scandal of alleged bribery of officials of the Internal Revenue Service (SII) and the Commission for the Financial Market (CMF). .
This blow to the PDI has not only caused an internal crisis in the police institution, but has also reached the general director of Carabineros, Ricardo Yáñez. From various political sectors, Yáñez’s continuity in his position has been questioned, especially due to his upcoming formalization in May for his alleged omission in cases of human rights violations during the social outbreak in Chile.
Senator Iván Flores (DC) expressed his concern saying: «The case of Carabineros is similar to that of Muñoz. Although the causes of formalization are different, we cannot allow another police chief to be more concerned with his personal defense than with directing an institution focused on combating organized crime.
On the other hand, socialist deputy Marcos Ilabaca declared that Muñoz’s situation was unsustainable, stating: “We cannot have the main authority of the Investigative Police under investigation and formalization for such serious crimes.”
The political opposition has also urged Yáñez’s resignation, showing unity in rejecting the permanence of police authorities involved in scandals. The UDI deputy, Henry Leal, pointed out: “The highest police authorities cannot be involved in crimes.” While the head of the DC’s bench of deputies, Eric Aedo, supported this position, adding: “If the director of the PDI steps aside, General Yáñez must also do the same.”
In the midst of these turbulences, Chilean citizens expect clarity and transparency in the ongoing investigations. Confidence needs to be restored in the institutions in charge of maintaining order and public safety. Muñoz’s resignation and the pressure on Yáñez mark a crucial moment in the search for truth and accountability in the Chilean police system.