Venezuela arrests follow Panama revelations

THE FALL OUT from the Panama Papers  has led to the arrest  of Venezuela businessman Josmel Velásquez Figueroa and his mother Amelis Figueroa for their connections to offshore companies revealed in an investigation into Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca.

The investigation initiated by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). It was based on documents leaked to the newspaper.

Prosecutors charged Velásquez Figueroa and his mother for a series of financial crimes, including money laundering. Their bank accounts have been frozen.

“Both were arrested April 15 when they sought to leave the country,” said Venezuela’s  Public Ministry.

The arrests were requested after raids carried on family properties led to the seizure of luxury cars, motorcycles, watches, jewelry and diamond certificates, the Ministry said