RICARDO MARTINELLI'S SONS ARRESTED IN MIAMI, SLATED FOR DEPORTATION

Ricardo, Ricardo Alberto and Luis Martinelli

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested the two sons of former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares and Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Linares, in Coral Gables, Florida, where they have been living since not long after their their father left office. The brothers' US visas were cancelled in 2017, and they are subject to deportation proceedings, which local media has stated will commence at a hearing to take place next Monday.

The Republic of Panama has caused INTERPOL Red Notices to be issued against the Martinelli sons, in connection with their alleged receipt of $49m in bribes and kickbacks from the Brazilian construction giant, Odebrecht. Rather than endure the extended nature of extradition proceedings, including any possible civil appeal solely for the purposes of delay, as their father unsuccessfully attempted himself earlier this year, justice could be more quickly served by deportation, as they are currently in the United States illegally.

Panamanian INTERPOL Red Notice requesting their arrest

Local newsreel footage showed that the brothers had berthed a luxury yacht at their disposal behind their home,  with ocean access. It was reportedly stocked with food and supplies, as if they were intending to flee the United States. There has been no information released regarding whether any cash or financial instruments was seized, whether in their residence, or on the yacht. The brothers have been accused in Panama of conducting a money laundering operation with bribe money.