Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnek443n8zvo

The trial of 27 people charged in connection with the Panama Papers money laundering scandal has started in a Panamanian criminal court.

The leak of secret financial documents in 2016 revealed how some of the world's wealthiest people stashed their assets in offshore companies.

The defendants include Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca Mora who founded the now defunct law firm, Mossack Fonseca.

They face money-laundering charges but say neither they, the firm nor its employees were involved in unlawful acts. In 2017, the firm said it was the victim of a computer hack and that the information leaked was being misrepresented.

If found guilty, Mr Mossack and Mr Fonseca could face up to twelve years each in prison.