Panama charges 17 in Brazilian firm bribery scheme

Panama charges 17 in Brazilian firm bribery scheme
Updated 3:04 pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2017



PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama's chief prosecutor says 17 people have been charged with money-laundering in connection with a bribery scheme involving Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

Kenia Porcell said Tuesday those charged included 8 Panamanian businessmen, five foreigners, three former Panamanian officials and a former private bank official.

As part of a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department, Odebrecht acknowledged paying almost $800 million in bribes to win business in 12 countries.

Odebrecht became the Panamanian government's biggest private contractor, winning $9 billion in contracts over the last 12 years.

More:
http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Panama-charges-17-in-Brazilian-firm-bribery-scheme-10880696.php