Peru: Judiciary to include ex-President Kuczynski's company in Odebrecht case

11:12 | Lima, Sep. 17.

Peru's Judiciary has declared well-founded the Public Ministry's request to include Dorado Asset Management Ltd. Company —owned by ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018)— in the investigation against him for the Odebrecht case, which involves alleged bribes paid by the Brazilian company to former Peruvian officials.

In this sense, Preparatory Investigation Judge Jorge Luis Chavez underlined an alleged triangulation among Kuczynski, Dorado Asset, and Westfield Capital aimed at benefiting the ex-President.

"The funds deposited to this one (Dorado Asset Management Ltd.) are related to the income from financial consultations carried out by Westfield Capital," he expressed.

Thus, the judge formally declared the incorporation of Dorado Asset Management Ltd. in the investigation on Kuczynski over alleged money laundering offenses within the framework of the Odebrecht case.

On the other hand, his attorney submitted an appeal against the measure.

The incorporation of the abovementioned company was suggested by Lava Jato Case Special Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez, who indicated —during a hearing in August— that the ex-President violated the rules of conduct as he received visits from businessman Jose Morales, twice at his home.

According to the prosecutor, Kuczynski's house in Lima's Cieneguilla district was bought with money he had allegedly received from Odebrecht through Dorado Asset Management Ltd.

Kuczynski

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski is currently under house arrest.

On August 23, the Judiciary denied the Public Ministry's request to change the house arrest —currently in place against him— to preventive detention.

House arrest

Last April, the First National Criminal Appeals Chamber for Corruption Offenses Committed by Public Officials revoked a previous preventive detention order for Kuczynski while being investigated over alleged Odebrecht-related asset laundering charges to the detriment of the Peruvian State.

Instead, it ordered his house arrest for a period of 36 months.

Preliminary detention

On March 10, the Judicial Branch ordered the preliminary detention of Kuczynski due to alleged asset laundering crimes to the detriment of the Peruvian State.

Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez requested the detention of Kuczynski, as evidence indicates that the ex-President was responsible for favoring Odebrecht so it could be awarded the South Interoceanic Highway Project —Stretches 2 and 3— (South IIRSA) and Olmos Irrigation Project, thus obtaining economic benefits from the company.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, during his tenure as Minister part of former President Alejandro Toledo's administration (2001-2006), he had approved regulations to favor the Brazilian corporation.

As is known, Toledo —who is detained in the United States— faces an extradition request by the Peruvian State. The justice system ordered 18-month preventive detention for him —in February 2017— after having allegedly received bribes from Odebrecht during his time in office.

Likewise, Kuczynski is accused of money laundering offenses, acting within the framework of a criminal organization, due to the events that took place when he was Economy-Finance Minister and Prime Minister between 2002 and 2006.

Furthermore, in 2007, the Westfield Capital company —founded by Kuczynski— allegedly received money transfers from South IIRSA —Stretches 2 and 3— and Trasvase Olmos.

Ex-President

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski served as President of Peru between July 2016 and March 2018. He offered his resignation on March 21 following the release of secret recordings that entangled him in a scandal on the eve of an impeachment vote.

Back then, a group of legislators from opposition parties filed a presidential impeachment motion —on the grounds of moral incapacity— after he had survived a previous impeachment vote back in December.

This new motion was intended to oust Kuczynski for alleged links with Odebrecht.

(END) RSJ/DTK/MVB

Published: 9/17/2019

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Peru: Judiciary to include ex-President Kuczynski's company in Odebrecht case

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