Before taking on the general management of a company in 2015, businessman Paul Zorrilla López was arrested, imprisoned, and faced an investigation for drug trafficking.
On May 20, 1991, Zorrilla, who was 23 at the time, was arrested at Moscow-Sheremetyevo Airport with four kilograms of cocaine (at that time, Russia was still part of the Soviet Union). Following this incident and his subsequent extradition to Peru, the Peruvian anti-drug police prepared police report 507-1991-DITID (dated July 31, 1991), accusing him of possession and transportation of narcotics for international marketing. At that time, the prosecution utilized this report to bring charges against an investigator.
Former company manager of Andrés Hurtado was arrested with cocaine in Russia. 
Police document that reports on the arrest of Paul Zorrilla
According to information obtained by El Comercio, Zorrilla was held in Lurigancho prison. He was released on March 6, 1998, but was arrested again on August 31, 2000, when he attempted to leave the country due to a charge of illicit drug trafficking (TID) that a criminal court in Lima had filed against him.
Furthermore…
Tax investigations
Andrés Hurtado is currently facing two investigations: one in the Second Transitory Supreme Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Crimes Committed by Officials and another in the Second Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Money Laundering.
In the 1990s, his friend Andrés Hurtado, known as Chibolín, was also associated with drug trafficking. He was linked to Demetrio Chávez Peñaherrera, ‘Vatican’, a drug lord who served time for DID. It was recently revealed that Chibolín, who is currently under preventive detention, was a representative of ‘Vatican.’
Business Image
In October 2002, Zorrilla founded Octavio Producciones EIRL, his first company, dedicated to the purchase, sale, and export of liquors. Between that date and 2016, he appears as the founder or representative of at least seven firms, according to Public Records. One of these, still active, is Rickets & Tradings Service SAC, created in 2008 for import, export, and fishing exploitation, as well as establishing mineral benefit plants.
Through this company, Paul Zorrilla, as the main shareholder, signed a contract with the Gavilan de Plata Limited Liability Mining Company in 2011 to exploit a mining concession in Arequipa.
In February 2013, Rickets & Tradings Service increased its capital from S/123,000 to S/1,400,000.
Paul Zorrilla’s company
In October 2014, Zorrilla resigned from the general management of the firm, which was subsequently taken over by Américo Eduardo Espejo Merino, who owns several companies.
Like Zorrilla, Espejo has been involved in drug trafficking investigations. In May 1992, Dirandro investigated him as part of an international organization following the arrest of Peruvians and the seizure of nearly 97 kilograms of cocaine in Liverpool (United Kingdom). In June 2000, report 204-06-00 PNP-DINFI-G4 from Dirandro indicated an investigation into Espejo for money laundering.
Moreover…
Double ID
Paul Zorrilla possessed two DNIs that recorded the same information. According to data from Reniec, one of these documents has already been canceled.
Manager of AH Company Entertainment
At a business level, the relationship with Chibolín has existed since at least November 2015 when Zorrilla was appointed general manager of AH Company Entertainment SAC, a firm founded by Hurtado in 2014. Through this company, the program “Because today is Saturday with Andrés” was broadcast. Zorrilla appeared on this television program with his now ex-wife Nadia Chávez Valdivia. Chibolín invited her to promote his dental center, which sponsored the show. During an episode featuring Chávez, Hurtado referred to Zorrilla as his “brother and friend.”
Paul Zorrilla assumes management in a company created by Andrés Hurtado
Zorrilla took over Hurtado’s company (from which he left in April 2016) a month after they both traveled to Chechnya, a republic within the Russian Federation. Zorrilla, Hurtado, and their assistant Abraham Mina Recavarren were allegedly present in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, between October 4 and 14, 2015. They appeared in a photo with Chechen officials.
Andrés Hurtado with Paul Zorrilla (second from the left), Abraham Mina (second from the right), and Chechen officials. (Photo: TV Image / Panamericana Televisión)
Andrés Hurtado with Paul Zorrilla (second from left) and Chechen officials. (Photo: TV Image / Panamericana Televisión)
According to their immigration reports, Hurtado and Zorrilla coincided on two other trips: from July 9 to 14, 2022, they were in Panama, and between the 20th and 29th of the same month in the United States.
Currently, Zorrilla is facing several investigations. In the offices prosecuting organized crime, there has been an ongoing investigation into money laundering since 2020; in the Lima South and Lima North prosecutor’s offices, there are additional cases for crimes such as aggravated usurpation and fraud.
El Comercio attempted to reach Zorrilla at three registered addresses but failed to locate him. He did not respond to calls or messages sent to his cell phones. Elio Riera, Hurtado’s lawyer, also did not reply.
The Controversial Story of Paul Zorrilla López
Early Life and Arrest in Drug Trafficking
Paul Zorrilla López, a businessman, faced significant challenges early in life that would shape his future. His infamous entry into the criminal world occurred on May 20, 1991, at the Moscow-Sheremetyevo airport, where he was arrested with four kilos of cocaine during a time when Russia was still part of the Soviet Union. This arrest was pivotal, leading to a police report (507-1991-DITID) created by Peruvian anti-drug authorities, which accused him of possession and transportation of narcotics for international marketing.
Police document reporting on the arrest of Paul Zorrilla.
After his arrest, Zorrilla was delivered to Peru, where he was incarcerated in Lurigancho prison. He spent several years in prison, eventually being released on March 6, 1998. However, a dark shadow lingered, culminating in another arrest on August 31, 2000, as authorities pursued illicit drug trafficking charges against him.
A Network of Connections: Drug Trafficking Allegations
Compounding his legal issues, Zorrilla’s friend, Andrés Hurtado—also known as Chibolín—was mentioned in connection with drug trafficking in the 1990s. Hurtado was linked to notorious drug lord Demetrio Chávez Peñaherrera, also known as ‘Vatican’, who was imprisoned for drug-related offenses. In recent revelations, it surfaced that Hurtado was a representative of ‘Vatican’, further entangling himself in a world of illicit activities.
Transitioning to Business: A New Chapter
In October 2002, Paul Zorrilla founded Octavio Producciones EIRL, a company focused on importing, exporting, and selling liquors. Over the years, he expanded his business portfolio and became involved in various enterprises. From 2002 to 2016, he was linked to at least seven firms, exhibiting business acumen despite his troubled past.
Key Business Ventures
- Rickets & Tradings Service SAC: Established in 2008, this company was involved in fishing exploitation and mineral benefit plants.
- Mining Operations in Arequipa: Zorrilla signed a lucrative contract with the Gavilan de Plata Limited Liability Mining Company for mining operations in 2011.
- Capital Growth: In February 2013, Rickets & Tradings Service increased its capital significantly, highlighting its rapid growth.
In October 2014, Zorrilla handed over the general management of the company to Américo Eduardo Espejo Merino, who also had ties to drug trafficking probes from the 1990s and early 2000s.
Paul Zorrilla’s business ventures are extensive despite his past.
Association with Andres Hurtado
Zorrilla’s business relationship with Andrés Hurtado began in earnest in November 2015 when he became the general manager of AH Company Entertainment SAC, founded by Hurtado. This firm was responsible for broadcasting the popular television program “Because Today is Saturday with Andrés.” Zorrilla, alongside his then-wife Nadia Chávez Valdivia, appeared frequently on the show, strengthening his public persona.
Interestingly, just a month into Zorrilla’s management, both he and Hurtado together traveled to Chechnya, raising eyebrows due to the timing and nature of their visit. They reportedly met with Chechen officials, further intertwining their business and personal realms.
Legal Troubles: Continued Investigations
As of 2023, both Zorrilla and Hurtado are under investigation. Zorrilla faces several charges, including:
- Money laundering, originating from 2020.
- Aggravated usurpation and fraud, with investigations ongoing in both Lima South and Lima North prosecutor’s offices.
Despite multiple attempts by El Comercio to locate Zorrilla for comments, he has been untraceable, not responding to calls or messages.
Paul Zorrilla during his management with Andrés Hurtado.
Conclusion
Despite his challenging beginnings with drug trafficking, Paul Zorrilla López transitioned into a businessman with numerous ventures. His connections with individuals like Andrés Hurtado and past legal troubles continue to complicate his narrative. The intertwining of their fates presents a captivating story of resilience set against a backdrop of crime and intrigue.
