A CRIMINAL  complaint of alleged money laundering and influence peddling against a cousin of ex president Ricardo Martinelli   was filed on Wednesday,May 17 before the Public Ministry.

The complaint against  Francisco "Frankie" Martinelli, was filed by Attorney Alvin Weeden on behalf of Rodney Soto, a former employee of  Martinelli and is based on allegations that Soto was ordered to sign a contract without being allowed to read it.

The contract was with the Caribbean company Sarda Management and the company Sofratesa of Panama ­ a sub­contractor in the construction of  Metro line 1 ­ for $2.3 million.

According to Weeden, the contract represents "influence peddling and money laundering" because its object "does not correspond to real services, and is aimed at masking illicit activities."

Weeden notes that Sarda had an account at the BCT Bank, where Sofratesa made disbursements.

As part of the complaint, Weeden provided copies of media reports that links Frankie Martinelli with the