Peru’s Former President Alejandro Toledo Sentenced to 20 Years for Corruption in Odebrecht Scandal
Peru’s former President Alejandro Toledo was sentenced to 20 years and six months in prison on Monday for his role in a major corruption scandal involving Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. The company became infamous for paying millions in bribes to officials across Latin America to secure government contracts. Toledo was found guilty of accepting $35 million in exchange for facilitating the construction of a critical highway in Peru.
Odebrecht’s Corruption Legacy
The National Superior Court of Specialized Criminal Justice in Lima handed down the sentence after years of legal disputes, including Toledo’s extradition from the United States. Odebrecht, now rebranded as Novonor, admitted to U.S. authorities in 2016 that it had paid bribes to government officials throughout Latin America, sparking investigations in several countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador.
In Peru, the Odebrecht scandal had far-reaching consequences. Four former presidents, including Toledo, were implicated. Authorities accused Toledo of using his position as president (2001–2006) to facilitate Odebrecht’s construction of a 650-kilometer highway linking Brazil with southern Peru. Initially budgeted at $507 million, the project ended up costing the Peruvian government $1.25 billion, significantly impacting the country’s economy.
Court’s Ruling and Impact
Judge Inés Rojas, who presided over the case, emphasized that Toledo’s victims were the Peruvian people who had trusted him as president. She accused Toledo of betraying that trust by defrauding the state and failing to protect public assets. In her ruling, she highlighted Toledo’s responsibility to manage the country’s finances and maintain neutrality in his decisions. Still, she noted that he had exploited his position for personal gain.
During the hearing, Rojas read testimony from Jorge Barata, a former Odebrecht executive in Peru, who claimed Toledo repeatedly contacted him after leaving office, demanding the bribe payments. Toledo reportedly reacted with smirks and laughter when the judge mentioned the large sums of money involved in the case.
Despite his apparent lack of remorse during the trial, Toledo had previously pleaded with the court for leniency, citing his age (78), health issues, including cancer and heart problems, and his desire to return home.
Years of Legal Wrangling
Toledo’s legal troubles began in 2019 when he was arrested at his home in California. He had been living there since 2016 after returning to Stanford University as a visiting scholar. After losing his appeal against extradition, Toledo was returned to Peru in 2022, where he has remained under preventive detention. This extradition process was a significant part of the case, highlighting the international cooperation in prosecuting corruption.
The former president’s legal team has vowed to appeal the sentence, with his attorney, Roberto Siu, maintaining that Toledo denies all charges.
Historic Case in Peru’s Fight Against Corruption
Prosecutor José Domingo Pérez hailed the court’s decision as a historic moment for Peru, emphasizing that it sends a clear message that corruption will be punished. Toledo will serve his sentence at a special prison for former presidents on the outskirts of Lima, with credit for time served since April 2023.
The Odebrecht scandal, which implicated numerous officials across Latin America, remains one of the most significant corruption cases in the region’s history. With Toledo’s conviction, Peru continues its efforts to hold its former leaders accountable for their actions during the corruption that plagued the country.