CORRUPTION investigations have been launched against Peruvian President Pedro Castillo in the latest attempt to undermine the leftist leader who survived an impeachment attempt earlier this month.

State prosecutor Daniel Soria has initiated a probe into the alleged crimes of illegal sponsorship and influence peddling.

It is claimed that businesswoman Karelim Lopez met with Mr Castillo regarding the building of a bridge following which the consortium she represents won the contract.

The pair are said to have met outside of official government hours on at least one occasion so there would be no official record.

Ms Lopez Tarata III Bridge consortium won the $57.6 million (£43.48m) construction contract by bidding $0.06 (£0.045) lower than the next best bid.

Mr Soria said that there are suspicions that Mr Castillo “is also immersed in the conduct of influence peddling” in a separate case.

A probe is underway into alleged pressure on military commanders to promote officials close to Mr Castillo by former secretary-general of the Governmental Palace Bruno Pacheco. 

At least $20,000 (£15,000) was found in his personal bathroom in the government building during a raid two weeks ago. He insists it was part of his personal savings.

Both Ms Lopez and Mr Pacheco have been barred from leaving the country while investigations are continuing.

Under article 117 of the Peruvian constitution, investigations can be carried out against a sitting president.

Earlier this month an attempt by right wing parties to impeach Mr Castillo — a self-declared Marxist-Leninist — was narrowly defeated in the Peruvian Congress.

The motion, which labelled the president “permanently morally incapable,” was defeated with 76 votes against compared to 46 in favour and four abstentions.

It was the fifth impeachment motion against a Peruvian president in the last four years. Presidents Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Martin Vizcarra were ousted by such moves..