BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — One of the businessmen accused in an investigation of widespread corruption in Argentina is admitting that he paid government officials for the awarding of public works contracts.

The case is based on an investigation by La Nacion newspaper into alleged corruption during the governments of former President Cristina Fernandez and her late husband and predecessor, Nestor Kirchner.

Juan Carlos de Goycoechea said Monday that he was forced to pay officials in Fernandez's 2007-2015 administration in order to get government contracts.

Goycoechea is a former head of the Argentina branch of Spanish construction company Isolux Corsan.

His lawyer said the payments were for political campaigning.

A local judge has ordered the arrest of 12 business leaders and former government officials.

Fernandez was called to testify on Aug. 13.