The Public Prosecutor's Office of Paraguay has opened a criminal investigation to examine the alleged misuse of resources from the Municipality of Asunción to pave private properties. The case, known as the "asphalt mafia," involves the use of municipal assets, supplies, vehicles, machinery, and public employees for private work.
The Attorney General, Emiliano Rolón, appointed a team led by prosecutor Luis Piñánez from the Specialized Unit for Economic Crimes and Anti-Corruption, with support from Christian Benítez and under the coordination of Deputy Prosecutor Nancy Salomón. The investigation was initiated by the office itself, based on journalistic publications, audiovisual records, and complaints filed with the Municipal Board.
Councilman Pablo Callizo had already filed a criminal complaint last Friday, accusing an alleged corruption scheme within the Directorate of Public Works. He documented interventions in June and July, alleging that 70 tons of asphalt were diverted to a private parking lot in Itá Enramada and another 70 tons to the company Cóndor SACI.
The official appointed to oversee the Directorate of Public Works, Óscar Pérez, stated that approximately 80 tons of public asphalt may have been used improperly. He committed to presenting a final report with the findings of the internal investigation in approximately two weeks.
The company Cóndor SACI issued a statement claiming it contracted the services of a construction company in "good faith" and was unaware of any connection between the supplier and the municipality, absolving itself of responsibility for the reported irregularities.