Panama City, Mar 5 (EFE).- Panama's anti-corruption prosecutor has ordered preventive detention for former Social Development Minister Guillermo Ferrufino after he testified during investigations into an alleged helicopter contract irregularity.
After his statement Wednesday, Ferrufino was charged with embezzlement and corruption and was put under detention on the orders of prosecutor Vielka Broce.
Ferrufino was questioned by the anti-corruption body for alleged corruption while leasing helicopters under a government program known as PAN.
Former PAN director Rafael Guardia, who is under arrest and has admitted to corruption under his charge, mentioned Ferrufino's name during investigations, according to leaks to the media.
Since current Colombian President Juan Carlos Varela assumed power in July 2014, the justice department has issued about 20 charges against government officials from the administration of former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014).
