Andina

Peru: Odebrecht collaboration agreement does not rule out including other projects

10:40 | Lima, Jan. 28.

The collaboration agreement to be signed between Peruvian authorities and Odebrecht does not rule out including other projects developed by the construction company in the Inca country, Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela has affirmed.

Concerning the criticisms for considering only four projects in the accord —Cusco's Evitamiento Road, Costa Verde–Callao Stretch concession, Lima Metro Line 1, as well as South Interoceanic Highway Project, stretches 2 and 3— the prosecutor indicated it is a voluntary measure within the framework of law

"These are legal tools that require and demand that each person (responsible) pleads guilty," Vela expressed. 

However, he affirmed that if the Public Ministry —in the future— finds new elements unrelated to the four cases, then the prosecutors could investigate the firm without any limitations. 

Likewise, the prosecutor indicated the collaboration agreement signed between Brazil's Attorney's Office and Odebrecht protects informants.

"The Brazilian justice does not enable access to information provided by its informers if we do not sign collaboration (agreement) just as they have done," he stressed. 

Furthermore, regarding the questioning of the accord that allows Odebrecht to continue operating in the country, Vela pointed out it is not an unprecedented case, since the firm keeps working in the United States, Panama, and Brazil. 

Other agreements 

Moreover, the prosecutor stated there are other investigations that have not been included in the special team and are being carried out by other Prosecutor's Offices at a national level. 

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) RMCH/VVS/DTK/MVB

Published: 1/28/2019