Bar Association member linked to drugs, laundering

A member of Panama’s National Bar Association (CNA), is on the “Clinton” list of companies  said  linked to drug trafficking and money laundering, to whom  applied economic sanctions have been applied  by the United States government Treasury Department.

Six other Panamanians are also included. The lawyer controls various companies and businesses in Panama, and has been linked to  a network operating between Mexico, Colombia and Panama.

The fact was confirmed by CNA president, Jose Alberto Alvarez. He said  a team from  the US government, including the person signing the document containing the list,  gave  a presentation at the College, speaking for at least one hour of several cases and explaining how people are included and excluded from the list. Then he added, the man who signed the document , announced that a member of the guild was on one of the  lists.

Cesar Ruiloba, president of the ANC, said lawyers should have the responsibility to know their clients financially, who they are and their structures.

Alvarez urged his colleagues to be more careful in choosing their clients. “If you see a client you do  not know who  has a flow of money unknown” you should think twice next time you are asked to perform a transaction.