Former Panama president Martinelli sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering

Martinelli was found guilty of money laundering related to the purchase of a media company.
He was attempting a political comeback but sentenced to over 10 years in prison.
Companies with government contracts allegedly funneled money to a front company for the purchase.
Martinelli was fined $19 million and maintained his innocence, claiming political persecution.
The case was known as “New Business” and the ruling came right before Panama's 2024 election.