Senator Karol Cariola has denied that the recent report from the Investigative Police (PDI) determines that criminal conduct took place within the framework of the so-called “Chinamart” case. The lawmaker spoke out this Tuesday following the release of police findings analyzing her intervention in an administrative process involving a businessman of Chinese origin.
According to reports from biobiochilt.cl, the PDI document suggests that the legislator may have operated outside of regular transparency and lobbying channels. The report notes that Cariola allegedly kept an administrative process active despite it having already received an unfavorable technical resolution.
The senator clarified that her involvement was limited to requesting information regarding the permit renewal for Bo Yang, also known as Emilio Yang. She dismissed any claims that her actions exceeded her legal authority.
Nothing to hide
In an interview with Radio Bío Bío de Valparaíso, the Communist Party member asserted that she has cooperated fully with the authorities. "There is an ongoing investigation, and I have cooperated with every piece of information and resource within my power," Cariola stated.
The legislator emphasized that there were no irregularities or attempts to seek personal gain in her actions. To support her position, the senator detailed that she provided information voluntarily to prevent media misinterpretations.
"I declared my information voluntarily, and I opened my bank accounts voluntarily because I have nothing to hide, and because the media is making interpretations that are clearly incorrect," the lawmaker maintained.
Regarding the PDI's role in the investigation, Cariola was adamant about distinguishing police findings from a judicial ruling. The senator noted that the police force does not have the authority to determine whether a crime has been committed.
"The Investigative Police cannot reach a final conclusion, because it is a Court that determines whether a crime has occurred," she stated. In this regard, the senator sought to categorically deny that the report establishes a criminal offense, a point also supported by her legal defense team.
