Senator Karol Cariola (PC) testified before prosecutors in the Chinamart case, explaining various managements done for Chinese businessman Emilio Yang, including inquiries about a commercial patent in Santiago. A PDI report states these actions occurred outside regular channels, though the patent was not renewed. Cariola insisted everything followed formal procedures and she received no benefits.
Senator Karol Cariola gave her statement on December 2 as an imputada in the Chinamart case, led by prosecutor Patricio Cooper. She detailed managements with former mayor Irací Hassler regarding the renewal of an alcohol license for Emilio Yang's (Bo Yang) Chinamart venue, lapsed due to non-payment. "I can state that I did have a conversation with Ms. Irací Hassler at that time," Cariola said, explaining she sought formal guidance due to an administrative error.
Reynaldo Morales, head of the Commercial Activities Department in Santiago, testified that Hassler instructed him to intervene at Cariola's request, who contacted him directly via WhatsApp exceptionally. Morales provided information on the process and reached out to Yang, who followed up insistently. "These inquiries made directly by Deputy Cariola were exceptional," Morales stated.
Cariola explained other actions: messages to mayors about traffic fines she paid without discount; contact with Susana González for a La Moneda visit by a Chinese delegation; suggestions to ministers on Chinese investments; and proposing Yang for a delegation to China, which did not proceed. On an apartment rental intermediated by Yang, she paid $28,145,091 at the end, covering debt and early termination. She acknowledged gifts like a baby stroller.
A PDI report from February 11, 2026, concludes Cariola's managements led to "exceptional administrative acts" to renew the patent, previously rejected by the Municipal Council. "There was never any intention to take actions outside the norm," Cariola defended, authorizing review of her bank accounts.
