Election result may determine future Panama-Italy corruption investigation

The decision of an Italian court to send Paolo Pozzessere and Valter Lavítola to trial on charges of international corruption involving contracts with Panama opens the possibility that the next Panamanian government may become involved in the process.

So far, the government of President Ricardo Martinelli has not become involved in the case, but that could change if the ruling CD loses the May election says La Prensa.

Panama could then work with Italian prosecutors to formulate charges in this country.
The case revolves around alleged payments made by Italian consortium Finmeccanica to officials in Panama in exchange for a lucrative defense contract.
The practice of diverting money for bribes to get foreign government contracts "was a business philosophy" of Finmeccanica, according to Italian Judge Bruno Labianca in rendering a decision on a case involving a sale to the government of India.
In this process – which is very similar to the Panama case – former Finmeccanica officials were accused of paying bribes totaling 51 million euros to Indian officials to supply helicopters worth 560 million euros.
In this case, the government of India has not only pursued civil damages, but has worked with Italian prosecutors in criminal cases against officials accused of either receiving bribes or not reporting them.
The helicopters were returned and the contract voided.
Panama has not taken any steps to either question its helicopter purchase or to investigate any officials.
National Bar Association President José Alberto Álvarez said in a statement Wednessday that the country has signed international treaties against corruption which mandate it take action in this case.
"It is a pity that while the government of India has been willing