The continuing story of Ricardo Martinelli, his family and trials

[Moderator_02]

16 minutes ago, Bonnie said:

I don't understand these Interpol Red Alerts when they know exactly where someone is, down to the condo.

Here is one explanation of an Interpol "Red Notice":

Quote

611. Interpol Red Notices

An Interpol Red Notice is the closest instrument to an international arrest warrant in use today. Interpol (the International Criminal Police Organization) circulates notices to member countries listing persons who are wanted for extradition. The names of persons listed in the notices are placed on lookout lists (e.g., NCIC or its foreign counterpart). When a person whose name is listed comes to the attention of the police abroad, the country that sought the listing is notified through Interpol and can request either his provisional arrest (if there is urgency) or can file a formal request for extradition.

Please be aware that if a Red Notice is issued, the prosecutor's office is obligated to do whatever work is required to produce the necessary extradition documents within the time limits prescribed by the controlling extradition treaty whenever and wherever the fugitive is arrested. Further, the prosecutor's office is obliged to pay the expenses pursuant to the controlling treaty. Those expenses, which can be quite high, will typically include the costs of translating the extradition documents and may include the costs of hiring local counsel to represent the United States. Further, these obligations, which remain until the fugitive is arrested or the Red Notice is withdrawn, may result in prosecutors who have succeeded the Assistant United States Attorney who originally requested the Red Notice having to prepare the documents and arrange for payment of hefty fees years after the fugitive originally fled from the United States. Therefore, it is important for prosecutors to make certain that the case is significant enough to warrant placing their offices under such a burden in deciding whether or not to request issuance of a Red Notice.

[cited in USAM 9-15.635]

https://www.justice.gov/usam/criminal-resource-manual-611-interpol-red-notices

 

And from the Interpol website:

 

https://www.interpol.int/INTERPOL-expertise/Notices

[Uncle Doug]

1 hour ago, Bonnie said:

I don't understand these Interpol Red Alerts when they know exactly where someone is, down to the condo.

It's more bark than bite.  It's not really an international arrest warrant, but more of a notice that a country (Panama) has issued an arrest warrant.  In the case of the US, there is an extradition treaty with Panama, but it's not even close to automatic extradition.  I don't think Panama has submitted much, if any, of the filings required by the treaty, and Martinelli would obviously fight any extradition order in court, probably for years.

My personal opinion is that Panama isn't particularly serious about getting him back and this is all for show.  With all his illegal wiretapping, Martinelli has plenty of dirt on powerful people in the government.  I doubt that Panama really wants its own Trial of the Century.

[JohnF13]

From what I understand, only certain crimes qualify for extradition and I doubt if any information provided to the USA qualifies as extraditable. I agree with Doug, I don't think Panama wants to bring him back and as it seems everyone is somehow involved in Odebretcht, why rock the boat?  The good thing is that Panamanians have long memories, so I would think that Mr. Martinelli has no future in politics here.

[Keith Woolford]

There has been some foot dragging, but I'm pretty sure that Panama has kept up with their side of the paperwork so far.  I agree that Martinelli's presence here would be disruptive and the government would be foolish to push for his return before their term is up.

He is currently suffering a sentence of sorts, being self-exiled, unable to travel to Panama to see his wife, and her being unable to travel from Panama to see him. I'm not sure if a Red Alert may further restrict Martinelli's movements in the U.S.

The boys have had the same Red Alerts issued on them for a while but have been staying underground. Can't see them either. Makes it hard to enjoy all those stolen millions.

Odebrecht? Martinelli probably negotiated the skim himself on their work.

[Moderator_02]

Quote

Interpol red alert for ex-president Martinelli

Posted on May 22, 2017 in Panama

Post Views: 261

AN INTERPOL Red Alert was formally issued on Monday, May 22 at the request of the Supreme Court   for the location and arrest  of former Panama  President Ricardo Martinelli,

The court is investigating Martinelli for the illegal interception of communications by the National Security Council during his government (2009 -­2014).

The information was confirmed Monday by the National Police, and Martinelli is now officially a wanted man

On Dec. 21, 2015, the plenary of the Court ordered the provisional arrest of the former president. According to the plenary, the decision was based on a decision by Judge Jerónimo Mejía after Martinelli failed to appear at a hearing in December.

“The absence of Martinelli prevents the development and completion of the process,” said the ruling.

Martinelli was declared “in default” by Mejía at the hearing. On the same day, four applications for provisional detention were filed: one by prosecutor Harry Díaz and the other three by attorneys

Carlos Herrera Morán, Rosendo Rivera and Ángel Álvarez, attorneys for the victims.

If found guilty, he would face up to 21 years in prison.

A  red alert for Martinelli’s two sons has been in place since February. They face charges of money laundering in connection with alleged bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

 

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/interpol-red-alert-ex-president-martinelli

[Moderator_02]

http://www.prensa.com/in_english/Interpol-debio-rapida_21_4763733581.html

[Keith Woolford]

According to TVN, an anti-corruption organization in the Dominican Republic, ADOCCO, has information that Martinelli plans to enter that country in a clandestine fashion and that a place is being prepared for his use in Casa de Campo, Las Romanas.

Panama and the Dominican have a functioning extradition treaty.

http://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/Organizacion-anticorrupcion-Martinelli-Dominicana-irregularmente_0_4762773784.html

[Moderator_02]

Quote

“Wanted” ex president leaving Miami?

Posted on May 24, 2017 in Panama

Post Views: 203

WITH EX-PRESIDENT  Ricardo Martinelli now officially a “wanted man” with his name. picture and fingerprints sitting in Interpol files in 180 countries, the rumor mills are churning out  speculation on his next move.

The latest suggestion is that he will be heading for the Dominican Republic  leaving behind  his luxury residence in Miami where he has been holed up since he fled Panama in January 2015.

One of those who claims to have intelligence that confirms the intentions of the ex-governor is the former director of the defunct Judicial Technical Police (PTJ), Jaime Abad, reports El Siglo.

Abad, who is an expert on national security issues, said on Telemetro that he has information that ‘Martinelli and his followers have been regularly  visiting the Caribbean  island  in recent weeks.

Abad pointed out that it is necessary to keep in mind that the island houses a complex of beaches with large mansions and palaces, many home to those who wish to keep a low profile.

Meanwhile the Republic has its own corruption problems linked to  the Odebrecht bribery scandal and the last thing the Dominican Alliance Against Corruption wants on the island is a man  linked to the Odebrecht investigations, and whose two sons are also on the Interpol wanted list.

 

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/wanted-ex-president-leaving-miami

[Moderator_02]

Quote

Martinelli Interpol alert now in 180 countries

Posted on May 24, 2017 in Panama

Post Views: 96

THE RED INTERPOL ALERT  for Panama’s ex-president has been circulated in 180 countries  says a National Police report.

The “red notification” calls for the location and detention  of Ricardo Martinelli, in the case of illegal interception of  communications by the National Security Council during his government (2009-2014),

“The alert is in force and it is in force in the 180 countries that m ake up the great community of Interpol. The main thing here is that this red alert is in force, “said Marcos Cordoba, Head of the Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ).

On December 21, 2015, the full Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) ordered the arrest Of the former president and current deputy of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen).

According to the plenary, the decision was based on the declaration of revolt of Martinielli, given by Judge Jerónimo Mejía, judge of guarantees of the case, in the absence of the former president at a Supreme Court  hearing in Panama.

 

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/martinelli-interpol-alert-now-180-countries

[Moderator_02]

Quote

Martinelli threatens 2019 run for mayor

Posted on June 4, 2017 in Panama

 

A new threat from Miami

Post Views: 163

UNFAZED by multiple corruption charges and an Interpol Red Alert, ex-president Ricardo Martinelli has boasted to his Alma Mater  that his CD Party will win the next election and that  he will run for Mayor of Panama City in 2019 and for president in 2024.

Martinelli was the first former student of the University of Arkansas to become a head of state and his links with the entity have stirred  up controversy , according to an article published June 4 in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat­ Gazette.

Martinelli received an honorary degree in 2013 and is also a member of the School Fundraising Committee, and holds a position within the Executive Board of the Sam Walton School of Business, although he has “only attended a single meeting since joining the board in 2013,” said University s spokesman David Speer

Faced with questions about the different corruption investigations in Panama,  Martinelli sent an email to the paper denying his participation in corrupt payments by the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.

The man accused, along with his sons and members of his inner circle of pocketing   hundreds of millions in corruption deals, regurgitated his political persecution mantra.

“All the alleged allegations are politically motivated and none have facts or evidence,” said  Martinelli.

Accused while in office of interfering  in the judiciary, and appointing judges to the Supreme Court,  Martinelli opined  that in Panama “there is no independent judiciary or rule of law, nor is there due process of law.”

There are those who might agree, with Martinelli, his sons and near a score of his former coterie, long gone from the country and a slow moving judicial hierarchy seemingly stalling investigations. while a large gaggle of well heeled “defense”

On his future plans, Martinelli told the newspaper that: “My political party is likely to win the next presidential election in 2019 and I’m going to run for mayor of Panama City, and probably in 2024 I will run for president again.”

He omitted his previous boast  of mimicking Omar Torrijos with a triumphal parade across the country.

Meanwhile, the last CD presidential hopeful, “Mimito” Domingo Arias, hand picked by Martinelli, will face anti-corruption prosecutors on Monday to answer questions about money donated by Odebrecht to his campaign. Confessions of Odebrecht officials describe meetings with Martinelli in the presidential palace.

“We are aware of the situation,” said  Mark Rushing, a university spokesman, when asked about Martinelli. He confirmed  that Martinelli “had not participated in the meetings nor visited the campus in several years.”

Scholarships Martinelli created scholarships at the school and provided other gifts while in office. Maybe from the discretionary fund with which he broke all records by handing out over $55 million of taxpayers’ money.

No gifts have been made since he lost control of the purse in 2014.

Orlando Pérez, a Panama policy expert and associate dean at the University of Millersville in Pennsylvania, questioned the University of Arkansas’s relationship with Martinelli.

“If Martinelli was more of a global figure and the people of Fayetteville and Arkansas knew, I think the university would indeed have cut ties long ago,” he said.

 

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/martinelli-threatens-run-mayor-2019

[Moderator_02]

http://www.prensa.com/in_english/Corte-admite-aprehension-helicoptero-Martinelli_21_4773482608.html

[Moderator_02]

Quote

Moves to block Martinelli helicopter seizure

Posted on June 5, 2017 in Panama

Post Views: 207

A PETITION to overrule the seizure of a helicopter linked to Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares that is connected to the Odebrecht investigation has been admitted by Panama’s  Supreme Court , but no ruling has been issued say judicial sources.

The action,  another in a long line of delaying tactics in cases related to  the Matrinelli family, was admitted on May 29, was filed by Carlos Carrillo Gomila, on behalf of Aircraft Trust & Financing Corporation, against the Order of March 30, 2017 issued by the Special Prosecutor’s Office.

The helicopter is in the name of Silver Wings Corp., but is registered in the United States in a trust on behalf of Aircraft Trust & Financing Corporation, based in Wilmington, Delaware.

The arrest of the helicopter was ordered by prosecutor Tania Sterling because it is presumed to have been

acquired by Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares “with money from money laundering.”

Luis Enrique and his brother, Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Linares ­ sons of former president Ricardo Martinelli ­ are charged with money laundering. They and their father are subjects  of International arrest warrants issued by Interpol.

Judicial sources reported that the court has not made a decision on the petition

 

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/moves-block-martinelli-helicopter-seizure

[Moderator_02]

http://www.prensa.com/in_english/Niegan-amparo-Mario-Martinelli_21_4774982457.html

[Moderator_02]

http://www.prensa.com/in_english/Corte-Suprema-Justicia-Martinelli-Linares_21_4774982459.html

[Moderator_02]

Moderator comment: this corruption topic related to former President Ricardo Martinelli and the Odebrecht corruption topic became legally and inextricably intertwined with a court ruling that is posted in the Odebrecht topic. For more details, please see:

 

[Pederhaney]

This just came in:  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1893873120870019&substory_index=0&id=1529876393936362

[JohnF13]

Just read about it in La Prensa

 

Edited June 13, 2017 by JohnF13
Cuz I kant spel Prensa

[Moderator_02]

http://www.prensa.com/in_english/Ricardo-Martinelli-detenido-Miami_21_4778732084.html

[Moderator_02]

Quote

Former President of Panama Arrested in Coral Gables: U.S. Marshals

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal speaks during the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2013 in New York City. Over 120 prime ministers, presidents and monarchs are gathering this week for the annual meeting at the temporary General Assembly Hall at the U.N. headquarters while the General Assembly Building is closed for renovations. (Photo by Stan Honda-Pool/Getty Images)

The former president of Panama was arrested Monday evening in Coral Gables, U.S. Marshals confirmed.

Ex-President Ricardo Martinelli was taken into federal custody near his home around 6:30 p.m. Federal officials would not disclose what charges he faces. 

Martinelli served as president of Panama from 2009 to 2014.

In September 2016, the Central American nation sent an extradition request to the U.S. for the return of Martinelli. The Panamanian government accused him of corruption and being involved in an alleged wire-tapping scheme.

In February, Martinelli's two sons, Ricardo Alberto and Luis Enrique Martinelli, were being sought by Interpol for an alleged bribery scheme involving Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

 

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Former-President-of-Panama-Arrested-in-Miami-428068293.html
 

[Moderator_02]

Quote

Former Panama President Martinelli arrested in Florida: U.S. Marshals Service

Fugitive former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, wanted by the Central American nation on charges of political espionage, has been arrested in Coral Gables, Florida, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service said on Monday.

Interpol issued an arrest warrant last month for Martinelli, accused of using public money to spy illegally on more than 150 people in his own country during his 2009-2014 term as president. U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Barry Golden said Martinelli was slated to make his initial court appearance before a federal judge in Miami on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

 

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-panama-martinelli-idUSKBN194071

[Keith Woolford]

Well, he's been Tweeting about wanting to return to run for Mayor of PC in 2019. He may have to revise that plan.

It will be interesting to see how long he can stall extradition

[Uncle Doug]

I definitely did not predict this.  But I imagine Martinelli will definitely put up a extradition fight. Bail will be an interesting issue, if it's even available.  

He obviously is a flight risk.

[Uncle Doug]

I definitely did not predict this.  But I imagine Martinelli will definitely put up a extradition fight. Bail will be an interesting issue, if it's even available.  

He obviously is a flight risk.

President Trump would been informed in advance. And Panama just broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of Beijing. Maybe it's all a coincidence but maybe it's payoff the Chinese for stalling NK warhead test.  Busy day for Panama

[Moderator_02]

7 hours ago, Uncle Doug said:

I definitely did not predict this.  But I imagine Martinelli will definitely put up a extradition fight. Bail will be an interesting issue, if it's even available.  

He obviously is a flight risk.

President Trump would been informed in advance. And Panama just broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of Beijing. Maybe it's all a coincidence but maybe it's payoff the Chinese for stalling NK warhead test.  Busy day for Panama

Embedded in your reply is an aspect of political timing coincidences. Don't forget that President Varela is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House on June 19th, which is next week.

[Keith Woolford]

Maybe it was a dirtbag swap.  Martinelli for the pedophile from Texas.