Ricardo Martinelli

By Kenneth Rijock

MIAMI, USA — Multiple reports from Panama, including case numbers, confirm that an Interpol ‘Red Notice’ has been issued for the fugitive former president of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, who faces at least a dozen criminal charges, including the operation of an illegal electronic surveillance program, where he spied upon prominent Panamanians. This means that he is subject to arrest, and removal, to Panama.

The Red Notice was issued notwithstanding that Martinelli has been the subject of an outstanding extradition request since September, 2016, and has been living openly in Miami.

For some unknown reason, the US State Department has ignored Panamanian demands, raising questions about whether he is cooperating with US law enforcement or intelligence agencies, and if those agencies have interfered with Martinelli’s extradition petition, which was filed at State.

Rumors continue to fly around his native country that he may actually run for vice president, or mayor of Panama City, while facing serious criminal charges.

Kenneth Rijock is a banking lawyer turned-career money launderer (10 years), turned-compliance officer specialising in enhanced due diligence, and a financial crime consultant who publishes a Financial Crime Blog. The Laundry Man, his autobiography, was published in the UK on 5 July 2012.