LIMA, Peru — Authorities in Peru have detained the president of the country’s soccer federation amid a broad investigation into various criminal offenses, including fraud, extortion, and money laundering.

Agustín Lozano is the second leader of Peruvian soccer to face arrest since 2018, following the investigation of his predecessor, who was accused in two homicides and later cleared of all charges.

On Thursday, Lozano was seen being led away in handcuffs from his residence in Lima, with numerous journalists in attendance. He expressed his intention to clarify any potential misconceptions and urged the public to withhold any premature judgments regarding the situation.

In addition to Lozano, six other individuals were also taken into custody during this operation. A prosecutor overseeing the inquiry revealed on local radio that Lozano has been the subject of an investigation for more than a year. While he has yet to face formal criminal charges, authorities believe he poses a flight risk and might interfere with their ongoing investigation.

Lozano has encountered legal issues previously; in 2023, the authorities aimed to arrest him as part of a probe into embezzlement connected to his tenure as mayor of Chongoyape, a city situated in northern Peru.

Under Lozano’s leadership, the Peruvian national soccer team currently finds itself in a challenging position, ranking second to last among South American teams vying for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This latest development marks a significant moment in Peruvian soccer as the federation grapples with serious allegations against its leadership.