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Peru Prosecutor: Former Odebrecht representative Barata answered questions thoroughly

15:58 | Curitiba (Brazil), Apr. 23.

Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela on Tuesday affirmed former Odebrecht representative in Peru Jorge Barata answered the investigation-related questions thoroughly.

Thus, the Prosecutors are confirming their theory.

At the end of the first statement in Curitiba, the magistrate indicated the Public Ministry felt completely satisfied with the interrogation's outcome.

During this first questioning session, Barata affirmed Odebrecht had made contributions to the APRA —deceased ex-President Alan Garcia's political party— 2006 campaign.

According to Vela, this information corroborates the Public Ministry's theory.

Likewise, Barata answered the questions posed by attorneys Aurelio Pastor and Erasmo Reyna, legal defense of Luis Nava Castro and APRA, respectively.

Afterwards, he was questioned about the alleged bribes paid by Odebrecht to win the contract for Lima Metro Line 1.

The interrogations take place from April 23 to 26 at Curitiba-based Prosecutor's Office.

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 is 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).

Former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori —currently under preventive detention— also allegedly received money from Odebrecht for her 2011 campaign.

Odebrecht will pay S/610 million (around US$182 million) —plus interests that may arise— in civil reparations to the Peruvian State over a period of 15 years as part of this agreement.

(END) FHG/DTK/MVB

Published: 4/23/2019

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Peru Prosecutor: Former Odebrecht representative Barata answered questions thoroughly

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