Andina

Peru Justice Min: Odebrecht must pay damages before leaving

LIMA,PERÚ-MAYO 09. La ministra de Justicia, María Soledad Pérez Tello, en la campaña de prevención frente a la trata de personas , en Pamplona , San Juan de Miraflores Foto: ANDINA/Norman Córdova

14:16 | Lima, Jul. 20.

Peru's Justice and Human Rights Minister Maria Soledad Perez Tello on Thursday stressed Brazilian builder Odebrecht, ensnared in a massive international corruption scandal, must pay corresponding damages before leaving the country.

To this end, the Peruvian Government expects the sale of Odebrecht's assets in local ventures, as is the case of Olmos Irrigation Project in northern Lambayeque region. 

"Olmos —as well as other projects [in which the conglomerate has a stake]— must be sold, since Odebrecht must leave having paid damages […]," she pointed out.

As is known, the Peruvian Judiciary determined proceeds of sales of said stakes are meant to go to a trust to pay corresponding damages

Peru thus seeks to guarantee compensation from the scandal-racked company, which caused an alleged US$283-million economic loss to the Inca nation

Dismissed attorney

Consulted on the recent dismissal of ad hoc attorney Katherine Ampuero, Perez Tello reiterated the decision owed to Ampuero's failure to abide by a rule that forces corruption convicted firms to leave the country.

In this respect, Ampuero not only disregarded the decree in question, but also introduced an injunction blocking the sale of Olmos project. 

"As a result, it [Olmos project] will not be available for sale for another year, thus condemning the Peruvian State to keep a corrupt company that could declare bankruptcy, and that will not be getting a dime from banks," she explained. 

Lastly, Minister Perez Tello informed assessment of candidates to take on the vacated position is underway. 

(END) JCR/CCR/DHT/MVB

Published: 7/20/2017