The Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation against former First Lady Nadine Heredia (2011-2016), who allegedly favored Brazil's Odebrecht company in the mega Southern Gas Pipeline project's tendering process, local media reported.
Prosecutor Reynaldo Abia also decided to include former Odebrecht Executive Director based in Peru, Brazilian citizen Jorge Barata.
Other foreign executives and former officials of Peru's Private Investment Promotion Agency (ProInversion) —who supported the company's bid— have been included in the investigation.
The list also targets former Ollanta Humala administration's cabinet members, who —according to the prosecutor— would have changed rules to favor Odebrecht's interests.
Heredia is not new to investigations. She was investigated on asset laundering charges before her husband left office. It must be noted the investigation continues.
As is known, former concessionaire consortium 'Gasoducto Sur Peruano' was forced to return the pipeline concession after missing a key financing deadline on Jan 23.
Composed of Brazilian Odebrecht, Spanish Enagas and Peruvian Graña y Montero, the consortium was also assessed a millionaire sum in guarantees for breach of the said contract (US$262.5 million), which was fully cashed days ago.
(END) CCR/MVB