Argentina names Panama bank in laundering probe

PANAMA  is in the spotlight of another corruption and money laundering probe, this time involving Argentina.

Argentine Federal Judge Sebastián Casanello has sent a request to Panama for confirmation of capital funds tied to alleged money laundering carried out by Lázaro Báez, a contractor who won millions of dollars in government work during the administration of President Cristina Fernández (2007-2015).

The Argentine daily Clarin said the scheme was uncovered by a confession made by Leonardo Fariña, who linked Báez to accounts in Panama and Switzerland.

The charges are linked to a corruption investigation in Argentina known as “La Rosadita,” which has focused on Fernandez and several other officials in her administration.

The money was allegedly transferred to Swiss banks through Panama.

Casanello sought information about some $34 million in transactions.

The request was based on testimony by Fariña, who also provided account numbers at Credicorp bank.

Credicorp was named by Brazil officials in their investigation of Odebrecht.

They tried for 18  months, without success  to get help from Panama’s Public Ministry