judicial

Legislator linked to confiscated car

la prensa

captured: Colombian businessman David Murcia had a taste for fine cars, but none were registered in his name.1132227

Authorities are trying to figure out why a luxury car that belonged to imprisoned Colombian businessman David Murcia is registered in the name of an alternate member of the Central American Parliament.

That member, Harmodio Villarreal Cortez, who is an alternate for Franklin Rivera of the Partido Revolucionario Democrático (PRD), said that he had no idea that the car was registered in his name, and claimed he does not know Murcia, who is in jail in Colombia awaiting trial on money laundering and fraud charges.

But the ownership of the vehicle may have something to do with the fact that members of the Parliament can bring vehicles into the country without paying duty, an amount that would not be insignificant on the Ferrari registered in Rivera’s name. That vehicle is valued at more than $300,000.

It was one of a fleet of luxury cars that Murcia purchased while living in Panama. The other cars all listed Panamanian corporations as their owners. All the vehicles have been confiscated by authorities pending the outcome of a criminal investigation into Murcia’s activities here.

Apart from occupying his alternate legislative position, Villarreal works for the Bank of Agricultural Development, receiving a monthly salary of $1,350 according to government records.

“I am a simple and humble man. I do not know why the person registered the car in my name,” Villarreal told La Prensa.

He added that he did not receive “one dollar” in the transaction.

“You told me for the first time that the car was in my name,” Villarreal said.

The politician later inquired about taking possession of the vehicle, but was told that it has a significant loan attached to it.

Certain government officials are allowed to import a car, duty free, every two years for their personal use or to be used by their immediate family.