Youssef: Duque punished companies that were late with bribes.

247 - According to testimony given to the Federal Police by money launderer Alberto Youssef, former Director of Engineering and Services at Petrobras, Renato Duque applied "punishments" to companies that delayed the payment of bribes to high-ranking officials at the state-owned company.

According to the money launderer, Duque contacted representatives of Alusa and suggested that they submit a specific proposal to win a contract for a project at Comperj, a petrochemical complex in Rio de Janeiro, which had allegedly been promised to Camargo Corrêa.

Youssef reported that the former director intended to harm Camargo Corrêa, which was "playing hardball" in order to disburse the bribe.

In the same statement to the Federal Police, the money launderer gave other details, confirming that companies resistant to the corruption scheme faced more difficulties at Petrobras. He reported that the obstacles arose when the state-owned company needed to approve changes to deadlines and adjustments to values. "If an addendum was needed, the 'non-contributing' company would not receive any assistance or facilitation for the addendums to be approved or expedited," Youssef said.

Contacted by Folha, Duque stated through his press office that he "vehemently denies having committed any wrongdoing during his tenure," that he does not know Alberto Youssef and has never had any contact with him. He also says he is available to provide clarifications regarding the investigations at Petrobras.