Former Odebrecht representative: Peru's Ex-President Garcia knew about bribes to Toledo

Photo: AFP

10:34 | Curitiba (Brazil), Apr. 24.

Former Odebrecht representative in Peru Jorge Barata affirmed that deceased ex-President Alan Garcia (2006-2011) was aware of the bribes the Brazilian construction corporation had paid to ex-President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) for the South Interoceanic Highway Project, investigative journalism site IDL-Reporteros informed on Wednesday.

However, the ex-Head of State did not take any measures against the company.

In this sense, Israeli entrepreneur Josef Maiman —who used his bank accounts to transfer money from Odebrecht to Toledo— sought Garcia to inform him about this fact.

As is known, Toledo —who resides 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.

Luis Nava

Likewise, it had been agreed to pay US$3 million to ex-Secretary-General of the Presidency and former Minister Luis Nava (2006-2011) to guarantee the continuation of the South Interoceanic Highway Project's works.

Furthermore, the payment was also aimed at ensuring that Odebrecht would gain new projects during Garcia's second term in office.

On his second day of interrogations, Barata told Peruvian Prosecutors Rafael Vela and Jose Domingo Perez that ex-President Garcia knew about the link he had maintained with Nava.

The former Odebrecht officer went on to add Nava and ex-high-ranking official of the APRA administration Miguel Atala were Garcia's "Maiman."

According to IDL-Reporteros, this affiliation opened the Government Palace's doors to Odebrecht during his second term in office (2006-2011).

It should be noted Peru's Judicial Branch on April 17 ordered preliminary detention of Nava and Atala, as well as seven other people —including Garcia— over alleged bribes for the awarding of Lima Metro Line 1 to the Brazilian company. On that day, the former Head of State shot himself after learning about the order.

Thus, Nava —and six other people involved in the matter— currently serve 10-day preliminary detention.

On Monday, Barata stated the company had given US$200,000 to APRA member Luis Alva Castro for Garcia's 2016 presidential campaign.

The interrogations take place from April 23 to 26 at Curitiba-based Prosecutor's 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 is 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— also allegedly received money from Odebrecht for her 2011 campaign.

Odebrecht will pay S/610 million (around US$182 million) —plus interests that may arise— in civil reparations to the Peruvian State over a period of 15 years as part of this agreement.

(END) FHG/RES/DTK/MVB

Published: 4/24/2019

Former Odebrecht representative: Peru's Ex-President Garcia knew about bribes to Toledo

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