In August 2011, former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was invited to Costa Rica by OAS construction company to provide a conference concerning the “economic and social integration of Latin American countries.”
A few months after his visit, the government of Costa Rica adjudged to OAS the modernization of the San José-San Ramón route.
However, in 2013, former President Chinchilla ordered to terminate the contract with OAS after social pressure about the future of the works. The contract was canceled amid criticism and the country paid almost 35 million Dollars as compensation.
In late August a publication made by Veja magazine stated that Lula would have received a payment of 200,000 dollars to provide the conference and acting as OAS mediator to meet important Costa Rican authorities.
According to the magazine, the information was leaked by Leo Pinheiro, former president of OAS.
Apparently, after the conference in 2011, Lula would have included Pinheiro at a dinner hosted by former President Chinchilla. Apparently, former Brazilian president referred to OAS as a “good choice” to build projects.
Last week, the Brazilian Prosecution asked for Lula to be blamed for corruption and money laundering.