Peru: Ex-Governor sentenced to 8 years in prison for Odebrecht case

17:58 | Lima, Jun. 11.

Peru's Judicial Branch on Tuesday sentenced former Ancash Region Governor Cesar Alvarez to eight years and three months in prison over collusion crimes in the construction of San Luis Chacas Highway, built by the Brazilian Odebrecht company.

According to Judge Nayko Coronado, the prison sentence will end on September 10, 2027.

It should be noted this represents the first verdict of a Lava Jato-related case.

Alvarez has also been forbidden to hold public office for eight years and three months.

Likewise, the judge indicated the sentence ordered for the former authority is the one the Prosecutor’s Office had requested.

On December 22, 2010, Ancash Region Government and Odebrecht signed a contract for the execution of the abovementioned highway. The next day the foreign company submitted a request of S/155 million (US$46 million) in advance to purchase materials.

In this sense, Judge Coronado pointed out the request had been made within the legal framework. However, the date —in which the money was delivered— had been irregular.

Furthermore, she informed the complete verdict against Alvarez and other 10 people —who have been accused of irregularities committed during the construction— will be read on June 21.

Moreover, the judge stated the sentenced people will be notified, adding they will be allowed to submit an appeal.

#Ahora. Primer Juzgado Penal Unipersonal Nacional de Corte Especializada en Corrupción de Funcionarios da lectura a decisión final por caso Odebrecht-Lava Jato, contra el exgobernador regional de Áncash, #CésarÁlvarez y otros. pic.twitter.com/hgKVDCpLiD
— Poder Judicial Perú (@Poder_Judicial_) 11 de junio de 2019

Poder Judicial dicta primera condena por caso Lava Jato-Odebrecht. Jueza Nayko Coronado impone ocho años y tres meses de prisión efectiva contra #CésarÁlvarez, expresidente regional de Áncash, por delito de colusión agravada. pic.twitter.com/L6MursbWMW
— Poder Judicial Perú (@Poder_Judicial_) 11 de junio de 2019

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 was 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).

(END) RMCH/CCR/DTK/MVB

Published: 6/11/2019