Prosecutor Opens Investigation into "Asphalt Mafia" in Asunción

Paraguay's top prosecutor has launched a criminal investigation into a corruption scandal in Asunción, known as the "asphalt mafia." The probe centers on allegations that municipal resources, including machinery, vehicles, and personnel, were improperly used for private paving projects. The investigation aims to uncover potential criminal conduct and assign responsibility.

State Attorney General Dr. Emiliano Rolón Fernández ordered the investigation after receiving reports and a formal complaint detailing the alleged misuse of assets from Asunción's Road Directorate. The scandal surfaced when it was discovered that municipal equipment might have been used on private properties as part of a suspected parallel revenue scheme. This has led to the formation of a special team of prosecutors to examine the evidence.

The investigation team, led by prosecutors Luis Piñánez and Christian Benítez under the coordination of Deputy Prosecutor General Nancy Salomón Marín, will review journalistic publications, audiovisual records, and corporate statements. These sources, along with a complaint filed with the Asunción Municipal Council, point to potential irregularities and the misuse of public funds. The councilor who filed the initial complaint had previously flagged the issue, but it was reportedly downplayed by the municipal majority.

“

disposed the opening of a criminal case ex officio and formed a team of fiscal agents to investigate facts that could constitute criminal relevance, related to the alleged irregular use of goods, supplies, vehicles, machinery and human resources of the Municipality of Asunción in the execution of paving works on private properties.