Florida Man Pleads Guilty in $16 Million Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme
John Christopher Polit Admits to Laundering Bribes for His Father, a Former Ecuadorian Government Official
A Florida man has pleaded guilty to his role in a $16 million bribery and money laundering scheme involving his father, a former government official in Ecuador. John Christopher Polit, 43, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
The Scheme
Polit, a former banker, laundered the bribe proceeds paid for the benefit of his father, Carlos Ramon Polit Faggioni, the former Comptroller General of Ecuador, through the U.S. financial system and into various investments in South Florida. The bribe payments were made by a major Brazil-based construction conglomerate, Odebrecht S.A., from around 2010 to 2015.
The Laundering Process
Polit helped his father launder the bribes through transactions involving Florida companies. The funds were used to purchase and renovate real estate in South Florida and elsewhere, as well as buying restaurants, a dry cleaner, and other businesses.
Carlos Polit’s Conviction
Carlos Polit was convicted in April and sentenced to 10 years in prison last month.
John Polit’s Sentencing
John Polit faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing, scheduled for January.
Odebrecht S.A.’s Plea
Odebrecht S.A. pleaded guilty in December 2016 to a scheme to pay nearly $800 million in bribes to public officials in 12 countries, including Ecuador.
Conclusion
The case highlights the extent of corruption and money laundering schemes that can occur when public officials and their families are involved. The convictions and sentencing of both Polit and Odebrecht S.A. demonstrate the efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat these types of crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the amount of the bribery and money laundering scheme?
A: The scheme involved $16 million in bribes and money laundering.
Q: Who was involved in the scheme?
A: John Christopher Polit, a former banker, and his father, Carlos Ramon Polit Faggioni, the former Comptroller General of Ecuador.
Q: What was the purpose of the bribe payments?
A: The bribe payments were made by Odebrecht S.A. in exchange for Carlos Polit using his position to remove fines or not impose them on the company.
Q: What was the outcome of the scheme?
A: Carlos Polit was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison, and John Polit faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.
Q: What was Odebrecht S.A.’s role in the scheme?
A: Odebrecht S.A. pleaded guilty to a scheme to pay nearly $800 million in bribes to public officials in 12 countries, including Ecuador.
