A COMPTROLLER General report, on the purchase of surveillance equipment to monitor over 150 people during the Ricardo Martinelli era is in the hands of prosecutors and the Court of Auditors.

The report studied the process of acquisition, receipt, payment and custody of the equipment that was used by the National Security Council to intercept communications from political opponents of the government, as well as entrepreneurs and journalists during the Presidency of Ricardo Martinelli.
In a press release, the Comptroller's Office reported that "there was a breach of administrative controls required by law" in the purchase of the equipment from Israeli company M.L.M Protection LTD.
It noted that the equipment, which cost $13.4 million, has since gone missing. Recently published reports quote Security Council witness statements as alleging that the equipment was delivered to the Headquarters of Super 99, owned by former president Ricardo Martielli.
The equipment was purchased using funds from the National Aid Program (PAN). Former PAN Director Giacomo Tamburelli faces charges related to the case.
General Accounts Prosecutor Guido Rodríguez reported that he expects the report to prompt the Court of Auditors to start an investigation reports La Prensa
"Once we receive the report from the court, we will formally begin an investigation," he said.