Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Orders Probe into Ministers

04/11/2017 - 20h46

Brazilian Supreme Court judge orders probe into nine ministers, among dozens of other politicians, O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper reported Tuesday.

The accusations in Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot's list are based on a deluge of testimony given in connection with plea bargains struck with 77 former executives of the giant Odebrecht construction firm, which was at the heart of the Lava Jato Operation ( Car Wash).

The 108 names included nine ministers in President Michel Temer's government, three state governors, 29 senators and 42 members of the lower house of Congress. Among the lawmakers were the speakers of the upper and lower houses.

The former Odebrecht employees, including ex-CEO Marcelo Odebrecht, have confessed to systemic bribery of politicians in exchange for inflated contracts and favorable legislation in Congress.

Translated by AZAHARA MARTÍN

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