Plea-Bargainers Allege that the Current Minister Managed Bribes During the Last Three Federal Governments

04/18/2017 - 12h24

Plea-bargainers from Odebrecht declared in testimony that the Chief of Staff of Michel Temer's government, Eliseu Padilha, solicited, received and managed bribes and off-the-books transactions during the most recent three federal governments. From Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995-2002), through Lula (2003-2010) and up until Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016), the current Chief of Staff was, according to the plea-bargainers, the one responsible for raising at least R$ 11,5 million (US$ 3,7 million) from the company.

Padilha is mentioned by at least six executives, who attribute his importance to his dealings with the group from Bahia which puts him under greater exposure than the other seven Temer ministers who are also targets of the investigation due to the executives' testimonies.

The Rapporteur of the Car Wash (Lava Jato) case at the Federal Supreme Court, Edson Fachin, has authorized two inquiries to investigate Padilha's conduct.

When questioned about the accusations made by Odebrecht, Padilha limited his comments to saying that he has confidence in the country's institutions.

"The Minister said that he has confidence in Brazilian institutions, which is why he is on record saying that he is sure that with the opening of the investigations he will be guaranteed the opportunity to amply exercise his right to defense", he informed, by way of his press attaché.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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