Andina

Peru: Ex-Congressman Villanueva released after preliminary detention

11:17 | Lima, Dec. 4.

Upon completion of the seven days of preliminary detention, ex-Congressman Cesar Villanueva, who is investigated for the crimes of aggravated influence peddling and illegal sponsorship linked to the Odebrecht case, was released on Tuesday.

However, it must be noted that Judge Hugo Nuñez will on December 5 assess the request for appearance with restrictions and prohibition against leaving the country requested by the Public Ministry for Villanueva and businessman and Jose Maria Santisteban.

Detention

The former Prime Minister was arrested on November 26 at a restaurant in Lima's Los Olivos district —along with Northern Lima Superior Prosecutor Alberto Orlando Rossel, Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Ronald Nicolas Chafloque, and businessman Jose Maria Santisteban.

All of them are investigated for the alleged crimes of influence peddling and illegal sponsorship after having tried to influence on the Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group, which investigates Villanueva in the Odebrecht case.

For that purpose, Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Ronald Nicolas Chafloque communicated with Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Alexander Taboada —who is a member of the Special Team in charge of the investigations on Villanueva.

Following that, Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela brought Deputy Prosecutor Taboada before the Attorney General's Office for the corresponding measures to be taken. He was removed from the team.

As is known, Villanueva is investigated by the Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group of the Public Ministry for having allegedly favored the Odebrecht company with the San Jose de Sisa Highway Project in exchange for money, when he was Governor of San Martin Region (2007-2013).

(END) PBQ/MVB

Published: 12/4/2019