Expert Confirms Odebrecht Donations Were Used for Campaign Advertising

Expert Tatiana Chérigo confirmed this Friday that the donations linked to former President Ricardo Martinelli in the Odebrecht case were used to pay for media advertising and other campaign materials for the 2009 election, following an agreement between the Democratic Change party and Importadora Ricamar. These were funds from the Democratic Change party. The former president had already stated in January that the political donations were used to pay for political advertising and other campaign expenses for 2009. 'The objective of the report was to verify and analyze all the evidence that identifies the transfers received by Importadora Ricamar as the result of an existing account receivable between the importer and Democratic Change, partly for operational expenses and partly for the electoral campaign,' said Chérigo. Chérigo detailed that the donations from Caribbean Holding were applied directly to the account receivable that Ricamar had with the party. 'Just so the media who mock the Odebrecht case know, these accusations date from 2008 and 2009; they were political donations. The contribution from Caribbean to the political coalition, for its part, was $2,625,000,' she added. Chérigo explained that there was a commercial relationship between the party and Ricamar, as the importer paid for goods (sweaters, umbrellas, hotel services) or media placements for the political party, creating a receivable. 'All were legally and properly reported to the Electoral Tribunal as required by law, therefore, the final recipients are equally responsible in case of a crime for receiving political donations,' she emphasized. The company was mentioned in the Odebrecht case after receiving transactions from Caribbean Holding Services, which were part of these receivables. For example, the Medcom Corporation received multiple payments for advertising, including one for $224,175.82 and another for $229,893.09. Which suppliers benefited from the donations? A large part of the donations was allocated to media placements, including television, radio, and print media. This Friday, Chérigo appeared at the hearing to present the forensic report she prepared in April 2021 for Importadora Ricamar for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 periods, based on financial statements audited by the prestigious firm KPMG. Before the payments, the party owed Ricamar $2,887,880.72. Payments were also made to TVN for $96,677.44 and $248,783.50. Contracts were also made with La Prensa, La Estrella, and Epasa.