Relative involved in spy scandal skips Panama on Martinelli jet

A BROTHER-IN-LAW of former President Ricardo Martinelli who is linked to a scandal over the purchase of illegal espionage equipment joined the growing number of people facing corruption allegations, who have left the country.

 Officials confirmed that Aaron Mizrachi left the Marcos A. Gelabert, Albrook Airport aboard  Martinelli’s private jet to Miami.on Wednesday, July 29, the same day that judicial authorities revealed that a company linked to Mizrachi, Caribbean Holding Services, was used as a conduit to funnel payments to the Israeli NSO Group, which provided the surveillance equipment.

That equipment was used to intercept cell phone calls and electronic communications during the Martinelli government.
Caribbean Holding Services is also mentioned in a complaint filed last June before the Superintendency of Securities related to the irregular handling of investment accounts for the brokerage house Financial Pacific (FP).
The equipment was purchased in 2012 and allowed the Martinelli administration to intercept cell phone calls and other electronic communications. It cost $13 million and was purchased from the Israeli company M.L.M. with funds from the National Assistance Program (PAN).
After Martinelli left office, the equipment went missing, which prompted a complaint by current Security Council Director Rolando López. The investigation uncovered evidence that the equipment was used to spy on political opponents of Martinelli, as well as journalists, union leaders and others.
So far, four former National Security officials have been charged in the case. Gustavo Pérez and Alejandro Garuz are in custody while William Pittí and Ronny are fugitives, believed to have fled the country.