Former Central American president runs from corruption allegations

Corruption allegations mount against former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli.

But now Martinelli is being investigated on suspicion of stealing money from a $45-million contract to buy food for schoolchildren as part of a National Action Plan (PAN) against poverty.

- Luxury cars, apartments, yacht -

Investigators also allege corruption on an airport parking lot program and a contract with a tax collection firm.

[President Juan Carlos] Varela says the total stolen during his predecessor's administration is nearly $100 million.

Prosecution documents seen by AFP say that money was used to buy luxury cars, apartments and a yacht.

Several Martinelli allies have already been arrested and it seems only a matter of time before authorities move against Martinelli. In many ways, prosecutors in Panama appear to be pursuing a similar model to that used in Guatemala - go after the small fish before moving on to those at the top of the food chain. While not technically on the run, his whereabouts remain unknown.

His whereabouts are unknown, but he keeps up an active presence on Twitter, where he recently posted a picture of himself with a palm-tree-lined beach in the background, with the caption: "Watching a beautiful sunset with two of my sisters."

He also uses the platform to taunt his successor and former ally, President Juan Carlos Varela, whom he accuses of "politically persecuting" him.

He doesn't seem to be taking the allegations very seriously, arguing instead that it is all a part of a big smear campaign.