Blogs

Peru ex-president Alejandro Toledo jailed for 20 years over involvement in Car Wash scandal

Oct 27, 2024 | World

October 27, 2024

Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo has been sentenced to 20 years and six months in prison for accepting $35 million in bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, marking Peru’s first significant conviction linked to the Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato) scandal. Toledo, who served as president from 2001 to 2006, was convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding Odebrecht a contract to construct a road connecting Peru’s southern coast to Brazil’s Amazonian region.

Odebrecht, now known as Novonor, admitted in 2016 to bribing officials across Latin America to secure major public works projects, placing it at the center of one of the largest corruption scandals in the region. During his trial, Toledo denied charges of money laundering and collusion, although prosecutors presented testimony from former Odebrecht executive Jorge Barata and Toledo’s ex-associate, Josef Maiman, who confirmed the bribes.

In court, Judge Inés Rojas highlighted Toledo’s betrayal of the public’s trust, noting that he was responsible for managing public funds responsibly but instead defrauded the Peruvian state. Despite Toledo’s plea for leniency, citing health concerns, his sentence will be served in a specially built Lima prison, which previously held former leaders like Alberto Fujimori and now houses Pedro Castillo, awaiting trial for rebellion.

Toledo’s conviction is part of a larger investigation into Peruvian officials’ involvement in the Odebrecht scandal, which has already implicated other former presidents, including Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Ollanta Humala.

Did you like this article?

Did you like this article?

0 Comments

Latest Posts

Bad Bunny Drops Bold Fourth of July Statement with “NUEVAYol” Video

While many were lighting fireworks and firing up the grill this Fourth of July, Bad Bunny had something different in mind—a powerful political statement. Early this morning (July 4), the Puerto Rican global superstar released the official music video for his track...

Tattoo Culture Takes Over Toronto at Ink the 6ix

Get ready, Toronto ink-lovers! From July 4–6, 2025 at the Enercare Centre Hall C (100 Princes’ Blvd), the first‑ever Ink the 6ix: Toronto Tattoo Expo is set to unleash a weekend of creativity, artistry, and culture unlike anything our city has seen. What to Expect...

Gold Cup Semifinals Preview & Recap

Date & Venues Wednesday, July 2, 2025 USA vs Guatemala – 7 p.m. ET at Energizer Park, St. Louis Mexico vs Honduras – 10 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara USA vs Guatemala Route to semis: The USA edged past Costa Rica in a dramatic 2–2 draw and a 4–3 penalty...

Events

Related articles

Temperatures drop in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay

Temperatures drop in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay

A powerful cold snap has gripped southern South America, bringing temperatures far below seasonal norms and pushing rapidly northward as high pressure builds across the continent. Over the weekend,...