Panamanian President Ricardo Martinell

Barry and Ricardo

Martinelli, 66, served as Panama’s president from 2009 to 2014.  But Panamanian authorities say Martinelli also oversaw an extensive surveillance system that eavesdropped on the cell phones and computers of at least 150 people, including political opponents, business rivals, judges, journalists and diplomats.  Martinelli allegedly used more than $13 million in public funds to pay for surveillance equipment and compensate the “secret services” team that conducted the spying, the extradition affidavit says. (you get around Barry)

The United States extradited former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli on Monday so the politician and businessman could face charges of illegal wiretapping and embezzlement.

A tune for the chronicles of Team Barry