Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela affirmed the team —during the course of the investigation on the financing of Fuerza 2011 (Fuerza Popular party)— perceived that
"In the case of Keiko (Fujimori), for example, we realized we were facing the main leader of the opposition who had corrupted the Attorney General, our boss. Our dismissal
confirmed this (belief)," Vela told Brazil's Estadão newspaper.
Furthermore, he pointed out former CEO Marcelo Odebrecht's statement had been the starting point of a strong collaboration between Peru and Brazil.
Thus, progress was made in the probe, and the Inca country's ex-presidents —as well as political leaders like Fujimori— were found to have been associated with the corruption-tainted company.
No impunity
"The people who criticize the
agreement (with Odebrecht) are linked to the ones who are under investigation. (…) All agreements are regulated by law. The companies provide relevant information, and in exchange, they receive benefits," he concluded.
The removal of the top prosecutors investigating the case did harm the agreement and, therefore, the investigation.
Odebrecht
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.
(END) RMCH/SMA/DTK/MVB