Andina

Peru: Removal of Lava Jato case prosecutors could lead to failure

13:10 | Lima, Dec. 19.

The eventual removal of Prosecutors Jose Domingo Perez and Rafael Vela from the Lava Jato case may lead the Odebrecht investigation to failure, former Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Julio Arbizu warned Wednesday.

According to the lawyer, both Prosecutors have shown total correctness, professionalism, thoroughness, and accuracy in their tasks, adding they know the case well and have carried out the necessary procedures to move the probe forward

"Any kind of change to the team could interrupt or delay the inquiry and probably lead it to failure," Arbizu told Andina news agency.

"(Attorney General Pedro) Chavarry has the power to make changes, but in this context, these would be related to an intention of granting impunity to certain people under investigation and the accused (ones)," he added. 

Likewise, the ex-Prosecutor pointed out that —if these changes are carried out— they would generate a massive rejection from the citizens towards the Public Ministry. 

In Peru, the Attorney General is chosen by the Board of Supreme Prosecutors and not by the President.

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) VVS/FHG/DTK/MVB

Published: 12/19/2018