Peru:Odebrecht deposited US$35 million bribe for ex-President Toledo in Maiman's accounts

Photo: AFP

10:18 | Lima, Jun. 27.

Israeli entrepreneur Josef Maiman admitted to Peru's Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group that the US$35 million Odebrecht had deposited in his accounts were bribes intended for ex-President Alejandro Toledo, IDL-Reporteros has informed.

Maiman gave his statement at the Peruvian Embassy in Israel, with the participation of Prosecutors Rafael Vela and Jose Domingo Perez, as well as Ad Hoc State Attorney Jorge Ramirez.

Based on the investigative journalism site's report, Maiman had previously acknowledged a much lower amount, indicating the remaining sum was linked to investments in Colombia. However, his testimony contradicts the previous alibi.

"Josef Maiman's confession was signed today at the end of the interrogation. It is clear the bribes paid by Odebrecht to Toledo, through Maiman, reached almost US$35 million. Nevertheless, a good amount stayed with Maiman, according to authorized sources," it says.

In March, Peru's Public Ministry signed a collaboration agreement with Israeli entrepreneur Maiman, within the framework of the investigation on former President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006).

Toledo —who resides in the United States— faces extradition request by the Peruvian State.

In February 2017, the justice system ordered 18-month preventive detention for him after having allegedly received bribes from Odebrecht during his time in office.

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 was 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— allegedly received money from Odebrecht for her 2011 campaign.

Ex Lima Mayor Susana Villaran also admitted that Odebrecht and OAS had financed an anti-recall campaign during her tenure between 2011 and 2014. She currently serves a 24-month preventive detention.

(END) JCC/CVC/DTK/MVB

Published: 6/27/2019

Peru:Odebrecht deposited US$35 million bribe for ex-President Toledo in Maiman's accounts

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