Paraguay prosecutor seeks trial for ex-congressman in bribery case

Paraguay's Public Prosecutor's Office has formally accused former congressman Orlando Arévalo of aggravated passive bribery, requesting his case proceed to an oral and public trial. The charges are linked to the #LaMafiaManda investigation, which probes alleged dealings to shield magistrates and prosecutors.

Arévalo, along with Guido Javier Díaz Domínguez, is accused of participating in alleged negotiations with the late congressman Eulalio “Lalo” Gomes. Investigators claim Arévalo requested and accepted three checks totaling Gs. 202,000,000 from Gomes. This sum was reportedly intended as collateral for a personal loan Arévalo could not secure independently.

In exchange, Arévalo allegedly promised to use his position within the JEM (Judicial Branch of Government) to favor fiscal agent Stella Mary Cano in a disciplinary process. Evidence, including WhatsApp chats extracted from Gomes' phone, suggests the agreement was fulfilled through a vote to issue a reprimand to the fiscal agent. Díaz is implicated as a facilitator of the credit operation.

Specialized prosecutors Francisco Cabrera, Verónica Valdez, and Luis Piñánez are leading the case. They are requesting Judge Humberto Otazú to elevate the case for a public trial, marking a significant step in the ongoing anti-corruption efforts.