Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering

Former President of Panama Riccardo Martinelli (2009-2014) found Convicted of the crime of money laundering Media publisher to buy and Sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison.

“Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Perogal (…) punishes him 128 months imprisonment And Penalties totaling $19,221,600.48”, the dissolution of criminal cases refers to the sentence of the judge Baloisa Marquinez.

Martinelli, 71, has been announced as the presidential candidate of his Realizando Metas (RM) party for the May 2024 elections, according to a press release issued by the judicial branch.Responsibilities as a teacherof crime It is against the economic orderin the manner of Financial fraudSpecifically under Section 254 of the Penal Code, it establishes punishments ranging from five to 12 years.

This judgment is of the first instance and therefore appealable,”Dissolution of two companies and confiscation of shares of a publishing house in favor of the governmentAs well as the Administration of movable and immovable assets of that publisher”, as mentioned in the legal letter.

In this case, in addition to Martinelli, he was sentenced to: Four more for money launderingwhen 10 people were releasedThe Judicial Branch said.

Martinelli, who calls himself “politically persecuted,” Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht also faces money laundering charges in a bribery caseIts trial is expected to begin next August.

case”New business” began in 2017 and includes 21 people Said to have been purchased with public funds Editorial Panama America SA (Epasa)Although the investigation is under investigation 15 defendants.

Some of the 21 defendants were able to reach plea deals, they told the news agency EFE Judicial sources. Officials say one of them has died.

The prosecutor’s office says it charged $43.91 million in December 2010 to buy Epasa, which Martinelli “Contacted contractors and paid“It changed”Beneficiary“being”60% share holderFrom the publisher.

(with information from EFE)

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