Peru Court to Rule on Odebrecht Bribery Case

Former Minister Faces Jail Time in Metro Scandal Verdict

A crucial verdict is expected this Thursday, July 24, as Peru’s Judicial Branch delivers its sentence in the corruption trial involving former Communications Minister Jorge Luis Cuba Hidalgo. The case centers on allegations of favors extended to the Brazilian company Odebrecht for the Lima Metro project.

Prosecution Seeks Decades-Long Sentences

The Fourth National Collegiate Criminal Court will announce its final decision in a live hearing. Prosecutors are demanding significant prison terms for the accused, with Jorge Luis Cuba Hidalgo and former Ministry official Edwin Luyo facing 35 years each. Ex-volleyball player Jessica Tejada is sought for 25 years, and other individuals involved could receive up to 35-year sentences.

This landmark investigation, initiated in 2017, marked one of the earliest probes into the Odebrecht scandal in Peru. The construction giant has since admitted to widespread bribery practices across Latin America to secure lucrative contracts.

Key Figures on Trial

The court’s announcement follows over two years of proceedings and testimony. The hearing on July 17 heard defense arguments from Cuba Hidalgo, Luyo, and Tejada, among others. However, defendants Mariella Huerta Minaya and Santiago Chau Novoa will be absent; Minaya is abroad, while Novoa is currently imprisoned.

The Odebrecht scandal has had far-reaching consequences, leading to the prosecution of numerous high-profile figures across the region. In a related development, a recent report by Transparency International highlighted the persistent challenge of corruption in public infrastructure projects globally, noting that an estimated $1 trillion is lost annually to corruption and illicit financial flows (Transparency International).