Operation Lava Jato

About

Operation Lava Jato, also known as Operation Car Wash, is a significant anti-corruption investigation that began in Brazil in March 2014. It started as a probe into money laundering but soon uncovered a massive corruption scheme involving state-owned enterprises, particularly Petrobras, Brazil's largest oil company. The investigation revealed that construction companies colluded with Petrobras employees to secure public contracts, exchanging bribes for favorable treatment. Politicians received kickbacks, often used for personal gain or campaign financing. The scandal extended beyond Brazil, implicating high-level officials in at least 11 countries, including Peru and Ecuador. Odebrecht, a major construction company, was heavily involved, using a dedicated bribery department to influence elections in several Latin American countries. The investigation led to numerous convictions and the recovery of significant funds. It highlighted the intricate networks of corruption and money laundering, utilizing offshore financial structures to conceal illicit activities. Operation Lava Jato has been a landmark case in the fight against corruption, exposing deep-seated issues in public procurement and political financing.