Panama Odebrecht Bribery Trial Concludes, Awaiting Sentencing

The trial in Panama over Odebrecht bribery allegations concluded on Friday, with the court now awaiting the judge's sentencing decision.

After 24 days of hearings, Judge Baloisa Marquínez closed the proceedings following final arguments from the defenses of more than 20 defendants charged with money laundering. Among them are former President Ricardo Martinelli and several ex-ministers from his 2009-2014 administration. The judge said she would use the extended legal timeframe—beyond 30 days—to issue her ruling, given the case's complexity.

The proceedings, which began on 12 January, had faced up to six postponements since 2023, including delays due to missing international judicial assistance from Brazil and challenges in summoning Martinelli. The ex-president, who has asylum in Colombia, participated remotely. Over 30 people are under investigation, including former Presidents Martinelli and Juan Carlos Varela.

Prosecutors allege Odebrecht paid bribes to secure public works contracts, with funds allegedly diverted to political financing. Their closing arguments drew on evidence from the US Department of Justice, Andorran police, and statements from Brazilian collaborators. The prosecution seeks convictions for 16 defendants and financial compensation for the Panamanian state.

The probe originated in 2015 and reopened in 2017 after Odebrecht admitted to US authorities that it paid $788 million in bribes across Latin America, including Panama.

The scandal has an Andorran connection: local authorities investigated Odebrecht founder Marcelo Odebrecht over suspected bribe payments to Latin American officials totaling up to €237 million. Those illicit commissions were reportedly channeled through opaque accounts at the now-defunct Banca Privada d'Andorra (BPA).