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Former Odebrecht representative: Andorra Bank bribes were intended for Garcia's Secretary

Photo: EFE

13:57 | Curitiba (Brazil), Apr. 24.

Former Odebrecht representative in Peru Jorge Barata on Wednesday affirmed ex-Secretary-General of the Presidency and former Minister Luis Nava was the real recipient of the bribes found in the Banca Privada D'Andorra account under the name of ex-President Alan Garcia's administration (2006-2011) official Miguel Atala, investigative journalism site IDL-Reporteros has informed.

Deposits amounting to US$1.3 million were found in Andorra made from Odebrecht to Ammarin Investment's offshore account —which belonged to former Petroperu Vice-President Atala.

The ex-Odebrecht officer noted Nava and Atala were Garcia's "Maiman."

Chalan

Likewise, Barata affirmed Luis Nava had used the alias "Chalan" in the archives of the Division of Structured Operations utilized by Odebrecht to register bribe payments. Meanwhile, his son Jose Antonio Nava had been known as "Bandido."

A story mentioned that Odebrecht had made payments worth over US$4 million to Don Reyna Transport Company —owned by Jose A. Nava— which provided services to the Brazilian construction corporation.

It should be noted Peru's Judicial Branch on April 17 ordered preliminary detention of Luis Nava and Miguel Atala, as well as seven other citizens —including Garcia— over alleged bribes for the awarding of Lima Metro Line 1 to the Brazilian company. On that day, the former Head of State shot himself after learning about the order.

Thus, Nava —and six other people involved in the matter— currently serve 10-day preliminary detention.

He went on to add Jose A. Nava —who is in the United States— was aware Odebrecht had bribed his father.

Furthermore, the ex-Odebrecht officer mentioned he had maintained a close relationship with Nava Sr. during ex-President Garcia's second term in office (2006-2011).

Moreover, he indicated that "speaking with Luis Nava was like speaking with Alan Garcia," adding that Nava did not have any kind of influence, unless he used the name of the ex-Head of State.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, the Lima Metro Line bribe payments may be linked to former President Alan Garcia.

Visits to Government Palace

Barata told Peruvian Prosecutors that he had frequently visited the Government Palace to meet with the then-President, with whom he had regular conversations, traveled, inaugurated projects, and ate lunch sometimes.

Furthermore, the ex-Odebrecht officer stated he had talked about the Lima Metro Line with Garcia on more than one occasion and suggested that it should be a public work contract. That way, the State would pay for the works, and the company would not have to find private financing.

Barata made statements to Peruvian Prosecutors Jose Domingo Perez and Rafael Vela on the alleged bribes paid for the Lima Metro Line Project.

Remarks were made on the second day of interrogations taking place in Brazil thru April 26.

Collaboration agreement

In mid-February, Peru's Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group signed the long-awaited collaboration agreement with Odebrecht representatives and former employees in Brazil.

This deal is intended to procure evidence and testimonies for the investigation of corruption cases in the Andean nation.

As is known, the Brazilian construction giant admitted to having paid millions in bribes to government officials in Peru, in order to secure public-works contracts.

As a result, Odebrecht benefited from over US$143 million between 2005 and 2014 in Peru, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

In addition, four ex-Presidents have been linked to the Brazilian company such as: Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), Alan Garcia (2006-2011), Ollanta Humala (2011-2016), and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018).

Former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori —currently under preventive detention— also allegedly received money from Odebrecht for her 2011 campaign.

Odebrecht will pay S/610 million (around US$182 million) —plus interests that may arise— in civil reparations to the Peruvian State over a period of 15 years as part of this agreement.

(END) FHG/RES/DTK/MVB

Publicado: 24/4/2019