SÃ O PAULO—Brazil's federal police have arrested another former
executive of state-run energy company Petró leo Brasileiro SA, or
Petrobras, as part of an investigation into a broader corruption
scandal that has wounded the country's largest company.
Police arrested Jorge Zelada, a former top executive of
Petrobras, early Thursday at his home in Rio de Janeiro. Mr. Zelada
was arrested on suspicion of corruption and money laundering, said
a police spokesman. Mr. Zelada's lawyer couldn't be immediately
reached for comment.
Mr. Zelada was director of international operations of Petrobras
from 2008 to 2012. He replaced Nestor Cerveró , who was convicted
in May of money laundering and sentenced to five years in prison
for his role in the widening scandal.
Mr. Zelada is the fourth former Petrobras executive to be
arrested on allegations of bid rigging and bribery.
Brazilian authorities last year uncovered what they allege is a
decadelong corruption scheme that has touched the highest levels of
business and government. Prosecutors allege the nation's largest
construction firms inflated the price of Petrobras contracts by
billions of dollars, kicking back a portion of their ill-gotten
gains to company insiders and politicians. Some of the accused have
denied the allegations, and some are cooperating with prosecutors.
Petrobras has said it is a victim of the scheme and is cooperating
with authorities.
Mr. Zelada's arrest is part of the 15th phase of the so-called
Operation Car Wash investigation. Authorities will hold a press
conference later Thursday to unveil more details of the continuing
operation.
Write to Rogerio Jelmayer at rogerio.jelmayer@wsj.com
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