Italian corruption probe keeps tight lip on investigation into Panama role

THE ITALIAN Foreign Ministry has not  yet reacted to Friday’s request by Panama for clarification of the investigation into “transparency” of  the spending of $250 million with an Italian company.

The Panamanian Government's request via  Security Minister, Jose Raul Mulino came after knowing that the Public Prosecutor in  Naples began a new investigation for alleged embezzlement, extortion, corruption and incitement to corruption of persons in the exercise of public functions, which may involve members of the Government of Panama, and the now fugitive from Italian justice Lavítola Valter, a key player in the process that culminated in the now disputed contracts.

Lavitola, was allegedly  hiding in  Panama but   was said to have  fled the country. A source told Newsroom that the fugitive had been seen recently praying in a local church

The Italian judicial authorities hypothesize that they are facing a case of international corruption  said the assistant prosecutor of Naples, Francesco Greco, in an interview with La Prensa.

Greco gave  no details of the new research, but said that Lavítola had married in Italy and is in Panama. The fugitive had close connections with the administration and had set up a company to receive 10%  commission of a $125 miilion purchase of radar equipment, a deal signed by President Martinelli and former Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi.