Andina

Peru Prosecutor: Evidence proves Odebrecht bribed arbitrators

14:26 | Lima, Oct. 24.

Peru's Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group member German Juarez on Thursday affirmed there is enough evidence to prove that Odebrecht had bribed a group of arbitrators, so they could vote in favor of the Brazilian company in legal disputes.


In this sense, the prosecutor told the press that the foreign corporation recognized its culpability concerning the delivery of those illegal payments. 

Likewise, he indicated that its officers have admitted there were payments and bribes known as "success bonuses" which were granted to arbitrators once they had voted in favor of the company. 

Furthermore, Juarez pointed out collaborators and Odebrecht executives have provided documents mentioning the names of the arbitrators who had received illegal money.

Odebrecht

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. The accord did not include the Southern Gas Pipeline project.

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) JCC/CVC/DTK/MVB

Published: 10/24/2019