Lavitola tried to destroy Panama evidence stays in jail

A court in Naples, Italy,  has ruled that Valter Lavitola, a man with high connections in Panama must stay in jail  awating trial as he had tried to destroy evidence and interfered with research on international corruption.

Lavítola is named as an intermediary for the frustrated contracts for the construction of modular prisons in Panama by the company Svemark and the transaction with Finmeccanica of 6 helicopters, 19 radars and a digital map for a total of $ 250 million.

According to a report by Radio Panama, the three judges decided to keep Lavítola under arrest on charges of international corruption, for his involvement with a plan with high foreign characters while he had at his disposal millions of dollars that could be used in their favor. 

Accordingto the judges, " It is disturbing that Lavítola had the capacity to handle large sums of money and divert them abroad."

Neapolitan judges also highlight the strong relationships that kept Lavítola linked with President Ricardo Martinelli, and  became a confident and valued partner. 

They argued further that Lavitola achieved accreditation from the State of Panama, thus settling the basis for t illegal activities.

At the same time that Lavítola had faithful supporter during his time as a fugitive in Argentina and Panama, and attempted to destroy evidence and documents that linked the illegal activities under investigation in Naples.

Lavítola is awaiting the trial date, while Mario Velocci, a director of the company that would  have built the prisons Svemark modular, will be presented as a witness during the hearing that is scheduled to take place before year end.