Ex-Petropar President Sentenced to Three Years for Breach of Trust After 12-Year Process

A Paraguayan court has sentenced Sergio Escobar Amarilla, the former president of state-owned oil company Petróleos Paraguayos (Petropar), to three years in prison for breach of trust. The unanimous decision by the Specialised Economic Crimes Court comes after a lengthy 12-year legal process. The conviction stems from a contract for the electrification of mill equipment at Petropar's alcohol plant in Mauricio José Troche. Prosecutors had sought a four-year sentence, arguing that Amarilla, in his capacity as the highest authority and spending officer, failed to protect the company's assets. He allegedly allowed the contract to proceed despite non-compliance by the awarded company, leading to a loss of 12 billion Paraguayan guaranis (approximately $1.6 million USD). The court maintained existing precautionary measures against the former executive. The case began with an indictment in March 2014.

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This Tribunal has reached the conclusion, unanimously, that the just penalty to be applied to Mr. Sergio Escobar Amarilla is a prison sentence of three years.