Corrupt firm paid part of Colombia president's campaign
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos wipes his face as he listens to Vice President German Vargas Lleras present an annual report in Bogota, Colombia, Tuesday, March, 14, 2017. Earlier in a video message, Santos apologized to Colombians Tuesday after revelations that a scandal-tarred Brazilian construction company illegally paid costs related to his 2010 campaign. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) (The Associated Press)
The former campaign manager for Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos is acknowledging for the first time that a scandal-tarred Brazilian construction company illegally paid costs related to the Nobel Peace Prize winner's 2010 campaign.
Roberto Prieto told Blu Radio on Tuesday that Odebrecht had paid $400,000 to a vendor to print 2 million campaign posters. But he denied that Santos had any knowledge of the irregular payment.
Presidential campaign contributions by companies other than banks are illegal in Colombia.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Allegations of the Odebrecht contribution have been especially damaging because the company admitted in a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to paying $800 million in bribes across Latin America.
Santos has yet to comment but Prieto said the president's office is likely to issue a statement later Tuesday.