Andina

Peru: Keiko Fujimori to remain silent, refuses to talk with prosecutor

11:31 | Lima, Mar. 18.

Former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori on Monday informed she would remain silent and would not make any statements to Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez.

Prosecutor Perez arrived at the women's prison in Lima to interrogate her, within the framework of the case involving alleged illegal contributions made by Odebrecht to Fuerza Popular party for Fujimori's 2011 presidential campaign.

On this occasion, she refused to make any further statements before the prosecutor by claiming her right to remain silent.





The judge considered the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori posed a high risk of flight, plus this measure would prevent disruptions to the probe. 

The Judicial Branch had also declared well-founded the request made by the Prosecutor's Office to imprison Fujimori because of the danger of obstruction of justice that implied keeping her free.

The magistrate said there is serious suspicion that Fuerza Popular leader Fujimori had allegedly participated in money laundering offenses, as the head of a criminal organization within the party.


The magistrate pointed out the money came from the Division of Structured Operations —the Brazilian company's bribery department. Thus, the assets —intended for the campaign— were illegal and derived from unaccounted payments. 

Likewise, this affirmation was supported by former Odebrecht executives' statements given to the authorities through plea bargain deals.

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. 

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.

(END) CVC/CCR/DTK/MVB

Publicado: 18/3/2019