The collaboration agreement with Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht should be
ready for signature next week (Jan 14-18), Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela has reported.
"We estimate all adjustments should be made and ready for signature (of the document) on January 14-18, given that due diligence won't be completed," he pointed out.
"We've worked immediately to make up for lost time within the search for a solution to minimize and reduce the damage," the prosecutor said, adding they could not revise the drafts due to the
uncertainty brought about by the removal.
Nevertheless, he assured an understanding has been reached with Brazilian Federal Prosecutors' Office and the company itself to compensate for past inaction.
"We need the firm to revise the drafts before the signing. Such a period of time has been affected since
Chavarry's decision," he insisted.
Likewise, the prosecutor believes that Chavarry's request to make the agreement public constitutes a clear interference and open illegality aimed at hindering the work of this case.
Vela emphasized that —by law— only the Lava Jato special team, Prosecutor Jorge Ramirez, and
Brazilian builder Odebrecht have access to the agreement.
The progress made on the case is not only based on aspirant cooperating witnesses' statements, but there is plenty of evidentiary material.
Removal and reinstatement
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.
(END) VVS/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/7/2019