19:04 | Curitiba (Brazil), Dec. 12.
Former Odebrecht representative in Peru Jorge Barata on Thursday admitted having arranged payments to
former Congressman and ex-Prime Minister Cesar Villanueva —concerning the San Jose de Sisa Highway Project— in close coordination with former Odebrecht executive Eleuberto Martorelli.
He claimed not to know the exact amounts of money that Odebrecht paid for the awarding of the San Jose de Sisa Highway, but noted that complete information on how much money he received for the project is in the possession of GR Compliance —the company responsible for managing My Web Day and Drousys software.
Remarks were made during the interrogation conducted by the Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group at the Parana State Attorney General's Office.
Preventive detention
Thus, Chavez Tamariz —who is in charge of the Third Preparatory Investigation Court Specialized in Corruption Offenses Committed by Public Officials— declared the Public Ministry's request well founded.
The preventive detention was also imposed on Marco Diaz —former manager of Proyecto Especial Huallaga Central (Central Huallaga Special Project) when Villanueva served as Governor.
Both of them are investigated for the alleged commission of the crimes of unfair collusion, illicit association, and improper use of office.
Furthermore, the judge ordered the Peruvian National Police to issue national and international arrest warrants for the defendants.
While explaining his decision, the magistrate affirmed that there is a risk of flight, obstruction, and —in the case of Villanueva— the possibility of once again trying to penetrate the Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group in charge of investigating the case.
On December 2, the former politician was admitted to a Lima-based clinic where he currently stays.
(END) RMCH/RMB/MVB
Published: 12/12/2019