Accusations Pile Up Against Panama's Former President
Accusations Pile Up Against Panama's Former President
May 24, 2015 8:37 AM ET
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Panama's former President Ricardo Martinelli answers questions during an interview at a hotel in Guatemala City in January.
Moises Castillo/AP
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Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli wasn't always rich.
One of Central America's richest and most eccentric former politicians, Martinelli started off as a credit officer at Citibank in Panama. He bought one business, then another. Among his holdings is the country's largest supermarket chain, Super 99, known for bargain prices and catchy jingles. But while his jingles may get Panamanian's hips moving, Martinelli's alleged pilfering and profiteering make their blood boil.
The self-made supermarket magnate is accused of stealing tens of millions of dollars from the national food assistance program, and widespread eavesdropping on business competitors and political enemies.
Prosecutors have arrested Martinelli's close aides, and recently stripped Martinelli of his criminal immunity.
The accusations swirling around the former president seem to grow daily. Martinelli has taken refuge in Miami, and says the accusations are part of a political vendetta.
More:
http://www.npr.org/2015/05/24/409190235/accusations-pile-up-against-panamas-former-president
[center] "Martinelli has taken refuge in Miami" [/center]
Where else would a dirty fascist go to hide from prosecution?