DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SCANDAL: ODEBRECHT BRIbery Scheme Exposed, but Corrupt Officials Still Unnamed and Untouched

A massive corruption scandal in the Dominican Republic is being kept under wraps as Brazilian construction company Odebrecht prepares to reveal the recipients of its bribes on Friday. The scheme, which involved paying nearly $100 million in bribes to local officials, has left many outraged that no one has been charged or named.

The Scheme

Odebrecht’s executives confessed to US prosecutors that they paid a staggering $788 million in bribes to officials in 10 Latin American countries and two African nations between 2001 and 2014. The company spent $92 million on bribes in the Dominican Republic alone, winning 17 contracts to build highways, dams, and a coal-burning power plant.

Deals and Deals

The scandal has deep roots in the country, with critics pointing to the close ties between Odebrecht and the ruling party. Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez struck a deal with Odebrecht for a $184 million fine and an agreement to protect its executives from prosecution in exchange for information that might be used to prosecute local graft recipients.

Activism and Demand for Justice

Anti-corruption activists are holding marches and filing court cases demanding an independent investigation, but many believe it will take more than just Friday’s expected announcement to uncover the truth. “For Odebrecht, the Dominican Republic wasn’t just any country,” said Manuel Robles of the Green Movement. “The Dominican people have been vilely affected by a business mafia complicit with politicians and thieving bureaucrats.”

Infrastructure Projects Under Scrutiny

The scandal has also raised questions about the country’s infrastructure projects, including a $2 billion coal-burning plant contracted to Odebrecht in 2013 despite its bid being higher than all others submitted. The plant is expected to go into operation this year.

International Investigations

Meanwhile, Peru’s attorney general is investigating three former presidents, Ecuador has detained a business magnate and a former electricity minister, and Venezuela has frozen Odebrecht’s assets. In contrast, no charges have been filed or officials named in the Dominican Republic.

Questions Remain

Critics are skeptical that Friday’s announcement will reveal the full extent of corruption in the country, but hope it will be a step towards justice. “You can follow the money through here,” said Rosalia Sosa of Citizen Participation. “There must be records, information.”

What’s Next?

As the Dominican Republic prepares to unveil the recipients of Odebrecht’s bribes, many are left wondering what steps will be taken to hold corrupt officials accountable and restore trust in the country’s government. Only time will tell if justice will be served.