Former first ladys office under investigation

THE OFFICE of Panama’s former first lady is under investigation for actions linked to the country’s National Assistances program.

Many members  of Ricardo Martinelli’s family and his inner circle   including his sons, brother, and a relative by marriage have been investigated for alleged involvement  in corruption or irregularities”, but  until now  the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has not involved Marta Linares de Martinelli, wife of the self-exiled ex-president.

Prosecutors are investigating alleged anomalies detected in the purchase of 110, 000 Christmas bags by her office through the National Assistance Program (PAN) in the last government.

According to the summary under investigation, in charge of the first anti-corruption prosecutor, Tania Sterling, is a $5 million contract signed in 2013 by the then director of PAN, Rafael Jaen Guardia – in the El Renacer jail awaiting trial.

Christmas food bags were donated in all provinces and regions of the country.

Martinelli is facing six investigations in the Supreme  Court.