ADVERTISEMENT

Construction firm reportedly paid millions to ex-Lima mayor

Susana Villaran, a leftist and the first woman to hold the mayor's post, in 2013 faced the recall vote halfway through her four-year term.

Odebrecht's former Peruvian boss Jorge Barata said that his company supported Villaran at her request, according to testimony he reportedly gave prosecutors in Brazil.

"We made the decision to support her in this process," Barata told the IDL Reporters portal, explaining that the firm had a contract with the municipality of Lima for an urban concession.

"We had a concern that the exit (of Villaran) would generate some difficulty with our contract," Barata told Brazilian prosecutors, according to the portal.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Then we received the call from the same mayor asking for that contribution. She affirmed the need and importance of continuity," he reportedly said.

Valdemir Garreta, of another Brazilian firm, FX, told prosecutors that he received $3 million to advise Villaran, $2 million of which came from Odebrecht, El Comercio newspaper reported on Wednesday. Villaran denied to IDL that she received any money from Odebrecht for the campaign.

"The declaration Barata made before the Brazilian authorities is false," she said. Villaran emerged victorious in the recall referendum but lost her bid for re-election in 2014.

Odebrecht has admitted to paying $29 million in bribes for public works contracts in Peru. Two former Peruvian presidents, Alejandro Toledo and Ollanta Humala, already face charges for allegedly taking kickbacks from the Brazilian firm.

The scandal has ensnared politicians in several other countries including Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela.

ADVERTISEMENT

Under investigation by the US Justice Department, Odebrecht agreed in December last year to pay a record $3.5 billion fine after admitting to paying $788 million in bribes across 12 countries to secure contracts.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT