Security Minister Trinidad Steinert denied before the Senate Security Committee any involvement in the exit of PDI's former Intelligence subdirector, Consuelo Peña, and dismissed rumors of a romantic relationship with a subprefect. Steinert expressed discomfort over reports linking her time as regional prosecutor in Tarapacá to the decision. She also presented the government's Integral Public Security Plan.
Trinidad Steinert appeared before the Senate Security Committee on Wednesday to outline the government's security roadmap. Priorities include tackling organized crime, integral prevention, criminal analysis, and police strengthening.
Senators pressed on the controversial exit of Consuelo Peña, a 36-year PDI veteran called to retirement. Reports suggest Steinert requested her removal over a past incident where Peña dismantled a northern police team and sought subprefect Mauricio Fuentes' transfer to Santiago, displeasing the then Tarapacá regional prosecutor. Steinert denied any interference: "This decision was institutional, as stated by PDI Director Eduardo Cerna".
Senator Juan Luis Castro directly asked if she had suggested Peña's exit, noting it created tensions between institutions. Steinert voiced discomfort over derogatory remarks and dismissed a "parallel romantic story that never happened". She said the doubts aim to fabricate a plot and reaffirmed her dedication to the security crisis.
Steinert outlined the Integral Public Security Plan, targeting recovery of criminal-held territories like Arica's Cerro Chuño; operations against fugitives; and legal changes for oral trials without the defendant's presence.
