Summary
A key witness in the corruption case involving former Lima mayor Susana Villarán has been found dead, according to Peruvian prosecutors. José Miguel Castro, who was under house arrest and working with prosecutors on the case, was a former official during Villarán's time as mayor and was set to be a co-defendant in her trial starting on September 23.
Key Facts
- Susana Villarán, former mayor of Lima, is accused of taking $10 million in bribes from Brazilian construction companies.
- José Miguel Castro, a key witness and former official, was found dead at his home.
- Castro was under house arrest and reportedly cooperating with investigators.
- Villarán admitted in 2019 to receiving funds from Odebrecht and OAS but denied these were bribes.
- The trial for Villarán is scheduled to begin on September 23.
- Odebrecht admitted in 2016 to bribing officials to secure contracts in Latin America and Africa.
- Several former Peruvian presidents have been investigated for corruption linked to Odebrecht.
- Other politicians, including ex-presidents Ollanta Humala and Alejandro Toledo, have been sentenced to prison for corruption-related charges.
