Peru vice president quits amid corruption probe

LIMA—Omar Chehade, one of Peru’s two vice presidents, resigned amid a probe into an influence-peddling scheme, legislative officials said Tuesday.

Chehade, 41, seen as a close ally of President Ollanta Humala, made the decision “in the aim of not causing prejudice to the good image of government,” according to his letter released by Congress.

Chehade, who is also a member of the legislature and whose post is largely honorary, had been under investigation for allegedly helping the Wong business conglomerate.

He denied charges that he had discussed with senior police commanders removing striking workers from a sugar cooperative in order to hand the site over to Wong.