The one person who could have and should have stopped corruption in the previous government, the Comptroller, is finally being investigated. She obviously always had a rubber stamp in her hand. The woman was previously an accountant in Martinelli's Super 99 empire.
Former comptroller to be investigated
Former Comptroller Gioconda Torres de Bianchini is facing a second investigation of irregularities in contracts related to the National Assistance Program (PAN).
This investigation, being conducted by the first anti-corruption prosecutor, is into allegations of embezzlement in connection with cost overruns in the purchase of rice by the agency.
The other investigation is into the purchase of dried food.
In the latest investigation, there are 31 others also under investigation, including former Presidential Private Secretary Adolfo Chichi De Obarrio, Super 99 Purchasing Director Roberto Brin and Mario Martinelli, brother of former President Ricardo Martinelli. Brin is also a cousin of Martinelli's wife, Marta Linares.
The investigation is focused on the purchase of rice for schools located in areas of difficult access. Most of those charged are suppliers who allegedly overcharged the government.
The case was initiated by a complaint filed by current PAN Director Rafael Stanziola against his predecessor, Rafael Guardia Jaén (2012-2014). According to prosecutors, they expanded the number of people charged after receiving statements from Guardia Jaén.