Continental Scandals and the Connections to Panama.

Damián Merlo pictured below on the left is a Miami-based political lobbyist and consultant linked to regional right-wing figures who has been accused by investigative reports of helping orchestrate the private flight logistics for former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli’s sons, Luis Enrique and Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Linares, as they sought to bypass U.S. and international jurisdictions in June 2020.

Key Details.

• Role and Background: Merlo is the managing partner at Latin America Advisory Group and has worked as a regional consultant, maintaining professional and political networks across the United States, Florida, and Latin America. He also briefly advised Argentine President Javier Milei during his campaign.

• The Martinelli Connection: Investigative media reports identified Merlo as a key lobbyist and operative who allegedly assisted the Martinelli brothers following their departure from the U.S. amid federal money laundering and corruption probes tied to the Odebrecht scandal.

• Denial: Damián Merlo has publicly denied any involvement in or responsibility for arranging an illegal escape or flight for the brothers.

Damián Merlo and Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez (born 24 July 1981) a Salvadoran politician who has served as the 43rd president of El Salvador since 2019.

Former President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela (left) and Damian Merlo.

Elon Musk along with Nayib Bukele and Damián Merlo.

A scandal, initially presented as an attempted femicide, has gripped Bolivia since last week, when the main suspect in a failed criminal attack was arrested: Fernando Cerimedo, one of the main advisors to Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz.  But the investigations in Bolivia are shaking much of Latin America, especially within the inner workings of far-right governments, where Cerimedo achieved undisputed influence, even with the help of associates who have also come to Panama trying to lobby, sometimes successfully.

Fernando Cerimedo is currently held in preventive detention at the Palmasola prison in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, following his arrest for alleged attempted femicide and ongoing corruption investigations. Consequently, direct personal communication lines are highly restricted. However, you can reach out through the professional agencies and media outlets he owns and operates:

Corporate & Business Contact Channels

• Numen Publicidad (Political marketing and consulting firm where he serves as CEO):

• Email Contacts: fcerimedo@numenpublicidad.com or contacto@numenpublicidad.com

• Website: Check the official Numen Publicidad directories for localized corporate phone lines.

• La Derecha Diario / Madero Media Group (The conservative media outlet he co-founded):

• Inquiries: Corporate press and operational queries are managed via Madero Media Group platforms.

Social Media Profiles

• Instagram: @cerimedofernando

• X (formerly Twitter): @cerimedofernando

(Note: Public records note that multiple automated networks and associated troll accounts linked to his digital operations have faced disruption or deletion following his detention).

This is a continuing story………stay tuned for further details………Telly, News Director at NewsroomPanama.com