Calls for help in bribery case linked to Martinelli, Mizrachi

MEXICO and the Virgin Islands have been asked to assist in a Panama corruption investigation linked to former president Ricardo Martinelli and his brother- in- law Aaron Mizrachi .

The sixth anti-corruption prosecutor has issued judicial assistance requests to the two countries as part of the investigation being carried out into alleged anomalies in the procurement and installation of software acquired from the company Advance Consulting, a distributor of SAP in Panama.

Mexican authorities are being asked to interview Mauricio Deveaux, a legal representative of Advanced Consulting, about bribes that were allegedly paid to government officials.

The Virgin Islands is being asked about banking information related to Aaron Mizrachi through the company Caribbean Holding, including the existence of safety deposit boxes connected to the company.

Recently, a judge rejected a motion by Mizrachi to block the investigation.

Caribbean Holding is also linked to the investigations into the purchase of spy equipment by the government and the failed irrigation project in Tonosí.

Mizrachi fled the country. In August 2015 aboard Martinelli’s private jet.

, SAP executive Vicente García pleaded guilty in the United States to paying bribes to Panama officials and people close to former President Ricardo Martinelli in exchange for contracts. Garcia was jailed.

Martinelli  is fighting extradition from Miami to face trial for his role in the illegal surveillance of  over 150 opposition politicians, journalists, judges and businessmen. Supreme Court Judge, Harry Diaz is acting as prosecutor in the case, and an Interpol Red Alert has been issued. Martinelli is also facing multiple corruption investigations.
Mizrachi’s son  Mayer, is in Bogota, Colombia, awaiting deportation, after a request for political asylum was turned down, following a bizarre escape  from immigration authorities after six months detention following his arrest in Cartagena in December.