Two Panama Ex-Presidents Accused in the Odebrecht Corruption Scandal
This article is a summary of reporting by OCCRP. Originally published July 3, 2020.
Panamanian prosecutors took legal action against former presidents Juan Carlos Varela and Ricardo Martinelli over their alleged involvement in the Odebrecht bribery network. Both former leaders were questioned regarding millions of dollars routed through offshore structures and front companies linked to the Brazilian builder. While Martinelli faced scrutiny over the 'New Business' publishing case alongside Odebrecht inquiries, Varela was interrogated over political campaign financing. Both figures denied criminal liability, framing the legal actions as politically influenced.
AI Summary
Panamanian judicial authorities moved forward with formal charges against former heads of state Juan Carlos Varela and Ricardo Martinelli over Odebrecht graft.
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