Andina

President Vizcarra: Odebrecht should stop operating in Peru

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

12:09 | Lima, Dec. 31.

President Martin Vizcarra on Monday affirmed that Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht should stop operations in Peru.

"(…) It is a company that has poisoned private sector activities," the Head of State told RPP radio and TV news station. 

According to the statesman, Odebrecht has caused a lot of harm to the Inca country. 

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.

Distrust 

"There are many highly respectable firms, but now there is distrust of all businesses due to Odebrecht," the top official remarked. 

When asked about the agreement signed between the Public Ministry and Odebrecht, President Vizcarra indicated he respects the measure but stressed the need to know the details. 

On December 8, Peruvian authorities and Odebrecht signed a collaboration agreement enabling the company to provide more information to Peruvian Prosecutors' ongoing investigations on corruption cases.

Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela pointed the accord also includes an obligation to pay civil reparations.

(END) SMA/DTK/RMB

Published: 12/31/2018