Whereabouts of Israeli businessman Josef Maiman Rapaport —under investigation along with former Peruvian President and friend Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006)— remain unknown, according to an INTERPOL communication to the Peruvian Judiciary.
As is known, Maiman is believed to have assisted
Toledo in channeling bribes paid by corruption-tainted Odebrecht to secure a major infrastructure project.
However,
INTERPOL's National Central Bureau in Israel —Maiman’s place of residence— has not been able to locate him.
"INTERPOL's National Central Bureau in Lima nevertheless assures in the said notice that it 'will carry on with efforts to locate' the Peruvian-Israeli businessman," the Judicial Branch said in a release.
Peru's Prosecutor Office argues Maiman was involved in the incorporation of offshore firm Ecoteva, which facilitated the acquisition of properties to launder Odebrecht bribes.
Ecoteva funds were used to purchase a house and offices in Lima. Resources were also used to pay off the mortgages on both of Toledo's estates.
As is known, the Prosecutor's Office claims Odebrecht would have paid Toledo US$20 million in graft to be awarded the Interoceanica Highway.
(END) FHG/DHT/MVB