Call for radar contract audit
PANAMA’S Third Anti-Corruption Prosecutor has asked Comptroller Federico Humbert to audit the contract signed in 2010 between the government and Selex – a subsidiary of the Italian conglomerate Finmeccanica – for the purchase of 19 radars for $125 million.
Zuleyka Moore said the request relates to the investigation into alleged irregularities in the purchase, because the radars don’t work and they were never needed in the first place, reports La Prensa.
The investigation comes as evidence is being released that the radars, as well as a digital mapping system, were only purchased to increase the value of a deal with Finmeccanica to purchase helicopters to improve coastal security. That deal also included the donation of six patrol boats by the Italian government, which owns part of the defense contractor. The deal is also under investigation in Italy, over allegations of a $25 million bribe, described as commission, paid to leading figures in the government of the time.
The government accepted the deal although no comprehensive study was done to determine if the radars or mapping system were actually needed, and the fact that the patrol boats were basically worthless due to their poor condition.
Moore also reported that she has requested information from Italian judicial authorities about their investigation of the alleged bribes.
Moore said it is “a complex investigation” which must be handled with discretion to ensure respect for the rights of those being investigated.
She said that some of the accused have applied for the change of the precautionary pre-trial detention measure by a less severe estriction,, but still has not decided.
Those charged include former Vice Minister of Public Safety Alejandro Garuz and former Minister of Public Safety José Raúl Mulino.
Former Minister of the Presidency Demetrio Papadimitriu has testified in the case, saying former President Ricardo Martinelli negotiated the contract directly with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
