THE ARREST of Ricardo Martinelli in Coral Gables, Miami  on Monday evening, June 12,  was  brought forward because US  marshalls believed that Panama’s former president was preparing to flee, says a CNN Espanol report.

The arrest of Martinelli  was scheduled for today Tuesday  but was moved up a day, CNN reported.

According to the American news network,  US Justice e Department Marshalls were already watching Martinelli.

"When the provisional arrest warrant was issued at 6 p.m. the marshalls who were watching him noticed 'abnormal behaviour' that made them believe that Martinelli was preparing to flee. Therefore, the officers made the decision to arrest him immediately, instead of waiting until tomorrow," the network reported on Monday evening.

Martinelli was scheduled to appear, along with other federal inmates to be informed of the extradition proceedings against him.

A red alert was issued by Interpol following a request from Panama, where the former president is facing charges related to his alleged ordering of illegal surveillance along with numerous corruption and embezzlement charges which he and his shrinking band of followers have labelled political persecution.

Red alerts are still outstanding for his two sons and numerous members of his inner circle who have fled Panama.