Asunción: Mayor Bello promises to collaborate with Prosecutor's Office against "asphalt mafia"

Asunción Mayor Luis Bello has pledged his administration's complete openness and cooperation with the Public Ministry's investigation into a corruption scheme dubbed the "asphalt mafia." The scheme allegedly involved officials within the Directorate of Roads misusing municipal resources for private paving projects.

Bello stated in a letter to State Attorney General Emiliano Rolón that all requested documents and information would be promptly provided. He emphasized on social media that his administration would not tolerate any irregularities and that those responsible would face legal consequences. The Fiscalía (Public Ministry) recently conducted an inspection at the Directorate of Roads, and Bello instructed municipal departments involved in road contracts to immediately submit expediente, execution plans, and signed contracts for data cross-referencing.

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This morning, the Fiscalía's presence was established at the Directorate of Roads. We reaffirm our full openness and collaboration with the investigation. We will not tolerate any irregularities. Those responsible must answer to the law.

The investigation was initiated following a criminal complaint by councilor Pablo Callizo, who exposed a system where municipal asphalt, heavy machinery, and trucks were used for private paving jobs during official working hours. These activities were reportedly masked as municipal road maintenance in internal records. Evidence suggests significant diversion of materials, including 70 tons of asphalt for a sports complex and similar amounts for a private company, resulting in an estimated patrimonial loss of G. 500 million.

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Under this system, municipal officials used asphalt mix, heavy machinery, and trucks from the municipality to carry out paving works on private properties during working hours.