Panama Papers trial of 27 people starts eight years after tax evasion revelations

Twenty-seven people are set to go on trial today (8 April) over money laundering allegations in connection with the Panama Papers tax evasion scandal, which revealed a raft of assets held by wealthy individuals in offshore companies.

The 2016 revelations rocked governments, exposed high-profile personalities, triggered scores of investigations around the world and dealt a blow to Panama's reputation as an offshore financial hub.

News agency AFP said the defendants due to go on trial in a Panamanian criminal court include Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca Mora, the founders the now-defunct law firm at the centre of the scandal.

AFP further said the latest trial is expected to run until April 26, according to the judiciary.