Ex-comptroller implicated in Tonosi scandal

AN AUDIT  of the failed irrigation system   in Tonosí,  Los Santos, which led to millions of dollars in kickbacks being distributed by the family bank of Felipe “Pipo” Virzi,  has arrived on the desk of the third anti-corruption prosecutor.

It has already resulted in criminal charges against former ministers of Agricultural Development Emilio Kieswetter and Óscar Osorio.

The report also implicates former Comptroller Gioconda Torres de Bianchini. The audit said the project lacked a feasibility study and questioned the hiring of contractor Hidalgo and Hidalgo from Ecuador for the project.

In addition, the audit found that $22.6 million of the $31 million spent on the project was used “in matters not related to the initial costs for the implementation of the project.”

So far 11 people have been charged in the case, including the former ministers and several H and H officials.