**Title: Canadian Firms Under Investigation by U.S. Justice Department**

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating two major Canadian companies, Brookfield Asset Management and Scotiabank, amid ongoing scrutiny related to the 2016 presidential election and allegations of corruption. The inquiry is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address perceived abuses of the justice system.

Edward R. Martin Jr., the associate deputy attorney general leading the investigation, has reached out to Brookfield CEO Bruce Flatt. Martin has requested answers by October 7 regarding Brookfield's due diligence in its 2016 acquisition of the Rutas de Lima toll road in Peru from the Brazilian company Odebrecht. This acquisition has drawn attention due to Odebrecht's history of corruption, which led to a $2.6 billion fine from the DOJ for bribery practices in multiple countries.

In his letter, Martin asked Flatt to clarify Brookfield's anti-corruption measures during the acquisition process, the role Scotiabank played in the deal, and how corruption risks were assessed in Brookfield's valuation of the toll road. Martin also requested documentation related to these inquiries and any decisions made about toll adjustments.

Recently, Brookfield announced plans to dissolve its Peruvian toll road unit, citing unsustainable financial losses. The company had purchased Rutas de Lima for $420 million as Odebrecht was divesting assets amid corruption allegations. The DOJ has estimated the road's value at $2.7 billion, which coincidentally matches the amount Brookfield is suing the city of Lima for, following disputes over toll collection.

The Rutas de Lima toll road was not included in Odebrecht's plea deal with the DOJ in 2016. Martin has also contacted Andrew Weissmann, a former DOJ lawyer involved in the plea deal, seeking explanations for the omission of the toll road and for conflict controls during his tenure. Weissmann, who previously worked at the law firm Jenner & Block, has faced scrutiny due to his role in the investigation of President Trump and his associates.

Brookfield has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to the acquisition of Rutas de Lima. Weissmann and Jenner & Block have stated that he did not perform legal work for the firm concerning the plea deal.

The investigation highlights the intersection of politics and business, as the Trump administration's focus on perceived injustices in the justice system continues to unfold. The implications for Brookfield and Scotiabank remain uncertain as the inquiry progresses.