Andina

Former Odebrecht representative Barata confirms contributions to Garcia's 2006 campaign

12:49 | Curitiba (Brazil), Apr. 23.

Former Odebrecht representative in Peru Jorge Barata on Tuesday confirmed that Odebrecht had made contributions to the APRA —deceased ex-President Alan Garcia's political party— 2006 presidential campaign.

According to investigative journalism site IDL-Reporteros, he confirmed the veracity of the Division of Structured Operations' (also known as Box Two) documents, which registered illegal contributions. 


Likewise, Barata might have informed the donation —worth US$200,000— was requested by APRA member Luis Alva Castro. 

During the interrogatory, the former Odebrecht representative might have also confirmed that Alva Castro used the alias "Laque," who was given US$60,000. 

On the other hand, Box Two documents indicated US$40,000 was delivered to APRA. 

Furthermore, he reaffirmed contributions were made to ex-Lima Mayor Susana Villaran (2011-2014) for her anti-recall campaign and to Lourdes Flores Nano's campaign. 

The interrogations take place until April 26 at Curitiba-based Prosecutor's Office. 

Barata arrived at the institution joined by his attorney Carlos Kauffman. Special team Prosecutors Rafael Vela and Jose Domingo Perez, as well as Brazilian State Attorney Orlando Martello —who is in charge of the interrogation— were also present at the site. 

Collaboration agreement
       
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) FHG/DTK/MVB

Published: 4/23/2019