Court oks probe of Martinelli money bags allegation

THE ALLEGED delivery of bags money  to ex–president Martinelli as a kickback for the collection of taxes by the company Cisa “should be investigated for possible corruption  as a result of irregular commissions” says Panama’s Supreme Court.

The judgment  came from  the plenary of the Supreme Court (CSJ) on  September 23 that admitted the investigation of Martinelli for crimes against public administration as it is suggested that there are elements that relate him with alleged crimes.

Te file was sent to the CSJ on August 17 by the Fourth Anticorruption Prosecutor, Ruth Morcillo, with certified copies of the investigation of the former head of Revenue, Luis Cucalon, businessman  Cristobal Salerno and two others for allegedly committing the crimes of embezzlement and corruption.

Salerno, who claims to be the owner of Cisa, revealed that he delivered cash to Martinelli at his offices in Monte Oscuro.

According to Salerno each delivery was approximately $400,000 to $600,000.

The ruling of the CSJ, explains that the start of an investigation is justified to clarify Salerno´s statement.

“The elements included by the prosecution (…) suggests the possibility that an event has been committed with the semblance of an offense, to which at the same time [Parlacen] deputy Ricardo Martinelli has been linked “, said the ruling, Judge Abel Zamorano was the recording judge

The  ruling was endorsed by Judges Oyden Ortega, Nelly Cedeño, Hernan De Leon, Harry Diaz and Harley Mitchell. Luis Ramon Fabrega abstained from voting, but then changed his mind and signed the judgment.

Judge Jeronimo Mejia did not attend the meeting nor fully empowered the alternate judge.

For the second time Mario Martinelli, businessman and brother of Ricardo Martinelli, is name  as the one who “was responsible for identifying suppliers, financing the operations and advising in tenders with the State” for the purchase and distribution of school bags through National Assistance program (PAN), a case that is being investigated by the Second Anticorruption Prosecutor.