Chilean Officials Investigated Amidst Wildfire Reconstruction Concerns
Investigations are underway in Chile following a raid on the offices of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) in the Valparaíso region, linked to alleged irregularities in the use of funds allocated for the demolition of homes damaged by the devastating 2024 wildfires. The probe centers on potential misuse of over $1.1 million USD in public funds, according to reports.
The raid, authorized by the Guarantee Court following a request from the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s Anti-Corruption Unit, specifically targeted the Regional Directorate of Architecture of the MOP in Valparaíso. Authorities seized digital devices, including computers and mobile phones, belonging to both public officials and private individuals connected to the contracts under scrutiny.
Notably, the mobile phone of Yanino Riquelme, the current regional presidential delegate for Valparaíso, was confiscated. Riquelme previously served as the regional seremi (secretary) of the MOP during the time of the catastrophic fires.
Claudio Rebeco, head of the Regional Anti-Corruption Unit, stated that investigators will trace the flow of fiscal resources received by the companies involved, including San Nicolás Spa. “We will analyze the traceability of the fiscal resources received by the companies involved,” Rebeco said, according to reporting from BioBioChile.
The investigation was triggered by information submitted by the Comptroller General’s Office, which flagged serious irregularities in the demolition process of approximately one hundred homes destroyed by the fires.
Felipe Olea, a lawyer representing families of 55 people who died in the wildfires and more than 500 homeowners who lost their properties, welcomed the progress of the investigation. Olea suggested the case could potentially reveal illegal financing of political activities. “We could be facing a new case of illegal financing of politics,” Olea stated.
The wildfires that swept through central and southern Chile in early 2026 have left a trail of devastation. Recent reports indicate at least 19 people have died and approximately 50,000 have been forced to evacuate their homes. Fifteen wildfires were still active as of Monday, January 19, 2026, according to the National Service for the Prevention of Disasters.
The fires have resulted in widespread destruction of homes, vehicles, infrastructure, and forests. Communities are grappling with the immense task of rebuilding, while frustrations mount over the pace of recovery and allegations of mismanagement.
Similar investigative actions were carried out at MOP offices in the Biobío region by the Economic Crimes Brigade of the Investigative Police. Authorities have, at this time, ruled out a raid on the Valparaíso Regional Presidential Delegation.
