New investigations brings big players back on stage
LOOK FOR the resurfacing of the names of some high profile players when a new investigation opens into the activities of a tax debt collection agency that cost the state $30 million, during the last administration.
As with many of the corruption probes, ex-president Ricardo Martinelli, tops the list, followed closely by Cristobal Salereno, who claims he took bags of cash to Martinelli, Luis Cucalon, currently away from his detention cell and resting in a high end hospital, Salerno’s daughter, and ex-vice president Pipo Virzi, embroiled in multiple corruption cases.
The Accounts Prosecutor Office has started an investigation into the award and execution of the 2010 contract between the Revenue Department and the firm Cobranzas del Istmo to collect delinquent taxes.
The investigation was prompted by an audit by the comptroller that estimated the contract resulted in economic injury to the state That damage was caused by the company collecting a higher percentage of commissions than outlined in the contract and by collecting a commission on back taxes owed by state agencies. Under the terms of the deal, the company was only supposed to receive a commission on back taxes owned by private entities.
The audit also found irregularities in the awarding of the contract, which was not publicly bid. Stay tuned.