The Attorney General of the nation, Luis Carlos Gómez, offered this Thursday a balance on money laundering cases in Panama, as well as the expectations for the Odebrecht case and other ongoing investigations. During the meeting, the Attorney General reported that to date, 81 people have been convicted of money laundering-related crimes: 79 natural persons and 2 legal entities. "This reflects a progressive effort in the fight against this type of criminal behavior," he stated. Gómez also referred to the Odebrecht case, whose hearing, which has been postponed on several occasions, is scheduled to take place next January 12. "As the Public Ministry, we are prepared to present the accusation that the prosecutors assigned to the case will support," he affirmed. The Attorney General also confirmed that an investigation is ongoing regarding the community work benefit granted to Katherine Carballo, known as "La Parce", who had been sentenced to 60 months in prison for money laundering and was serving her sentence at the Cecilia Orillac de Chiari Women's Resocialization Center. According to Gómez, the speed at which the report from the Technical Board of the penitentiary system was issued will be reviewed, as reports are not usually issued with the speed recorded in this case. Finally, Gómez mentioned the ongoing investigations against former deputy Hector Brands, stating that they are under the responsibility of the Public Ministry and that the corresponding proceedings will continue. When asked about the possibility of new arrests or charges, the Attorney General clarified that it is an ongoing investigation.
