Corruption investigation into former government re-booted
An investigation into alleged corruption by high ranking members of the Mireya Moscoso government which has been hanging fire for six years, is underway again.
A prosecutor will investigate corruption by former officials who might be involved in the alleged irregular handling of more than $45 million donated by Taiwan (between 2001 and 2004) to Panama and managed by the South Sea Foundation.
The former president of Taiwan has received what is close to a life sentence for corruption while in office.
The investigation will also cover the management of about $ 4.6 million that was donated for the construction of the Toucan Museum (now Museum Reina Torres de Arauz, in Curundú) and administered by a a foundation
chaired by Ruby Moscoso de Young, sister of Mireya Moscoso and former first lady.
The deputy prosecutor, Giuseppe Bonissi, said yesterday that he had the file to an anti-corruption prosecutor, but did not specify which of the four currently available. "I do not know …one of many [prosecutors] there, "he replied. On 1February 12 the Supreme Court sent the summary to the Public Prosecutor to continue with the investigations, which were suspended for five years because the former president enjoyed immunity as a member of Parlacen.
After learning of the decision of the Court, Moscoso denied-any ties with Taiwan donated funds to Panama.
The names of Fernando Gracia and Joseph Teran, both Ministers of Health in the Moscoso government, appear on the record as trustees of the South Sea Foundation says La Prensa.
Both former ministers have given statements, and the prosecution could call them to testify again.