Lima, Oct 22 (V7N) — A court in Peru has sentenced former president Alejandro Toledo to 20 years and 6 months in prison on charges of corruption. The sentence stems from Toledo’s involvement in accepting bribes from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. This was reported by Qatar-based Al Jazeera on Monday.

The court found Toledo guilty of receiving $35 million in bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for granting the firm a lucrative contract to build a highway in Peru. The long-standing investigation into Toledo’s conduct revealed that the bribes were part of a broader corruption scandal that has implicated several leaders across Latin America.

Toledo, who served as president of Peru from 2001 to 2006, has consistently denied the charges of corruption and money laundering. Despite his denials, the court concluded that the evidence was sufficient to convict the 78-year-old former leader.

The ruling marks another chapter in Peru’s fight against political corruption, as the country continues to prosecute high-ranking officials tied to the Odebrecht bribery scheme, which has shaken governments across the region.

END/RH/AJ