Argentina and Brazil reach agreement on Lava Jato evidence

Argentine prosecutors reached a deal with their Brazilian counterparts to use evidence discovered in the Lava Jato anticorruption probe.

As part of the deal, Argentine prosecutors have access to evidence collected through plea bargains and leniency accords between Brazilian prosecutors and companies and individuals involved in wrongdoings.

Lava Jato started in 2014 to investigate wrongdoings of major construction companies in contracts signed with state-run oil firm Petrobras. Since then, investigations gained ground, finding shady contracts with other companies and in various countries. Outside Brazil, the company that was found most implicated in wrongdoings was the country's largest construction conglomerate Odebrecht, which runs many international operations.

Dozens of current and former Odebrecht employees signed a plea deal with Brazilian prosecutors, admitting to and providing details of wrongdoing in various countries, including Argentina. Such evidence and information will now be accepted by Argentina's courts.

"This is a huge step forward in the relationship of international legal cooperation between the two countries and another big step in the fight against corruption," said Cristina Romanó, the head of international cooperation of Brazil's general prosecutor's office.