Reporting on criminal incidents, investigations, and law enforcement responses across Panama. Stories focus on facts, community impact, and safety developments.
A Mexican man wanted by U.S. authorities for child sexual abuse was arrested at Tocumen Airport in Panama while transiting from Medellín to Mexico. Immigration and police officers detained him after international alerts were activated.
Panama’s National Police detained a third teenager allegedly tied to an aggravated robbery against a couple on Avenida Balboa. The arrest adds to an active investigation in one of Panama City’s most prominent areas.
Prosecutors searched the Ancón Community Board in Panama City after complaints accused representative Yamireth Batista of alleged embezzlement involving public funds. The case is now being reviewed by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.
Police detained a third suspect allegedly tied to the robbery of a couple on Avenida Balboa in Panama City. The case has drawn attention because it occurred on one of the capital’s most prominent roads.
Panama’s Superior Court of Appeals upheld the detention of a bus driver accused in the Chame crash that killed four members of one family. The court rejected house arrest, citing procedural risks and the gravity of the case.
Authorities raided the Ancón Community Board in Panama City after complaints over the alleged irregular use of public funds. The case began with denuncias filed by former officials.
Authorities raided the Ancón community council after complaints accused local officials of embezzlement, misuse of public funds, and workplace harassment. The case involves representative Yamireth Batista and alleged spending on personal and non-community expenses.
Carlos Pérez Herrera, a former PRD representative, has been charged with embezzlement in a case tied to alleged misuse of decentralization funds. The proceedings center on public money assigned to a local board.
Centro Femenino La Esmeralda has banned visitors from bringing prepared food during visits, allowing only items authorized by the Penitentiary System. The move tightens control over entry rules at the women’s rehabilitation center in Panama.
Authorities inspected 90 people and 26 businesses during a “Vigilancia Total” operation in Panama City’s Terraplén area, resulting in referrals and migratory citations. The enforcement action highlights ongoing checks in one of the capital’s busiest commercial zones.
Authorities searched the Ancón corregimiento board amid an anticorruption probe into alleged embezzlement, misuse of public funds and workplace harassment. Moca has opened an internal inquiry and distanced itself from Representative Yamireth Batista.
Anti-corruption prosecutors raided the Ancón community board offices in Panama City as part of an investigation involving public administration. The case highlights continued scrutiny of local government accountability in Panama.
Panama National Police arrested a third teenager linked to the violent robbery of two foreign seniors on Balboa Avenue. The case has prompted stepped-up patrols in a major tourist area of Panama City.
César Caicedo has been placed under house arrest after a December 2025 drug-related arrest in Operation Nodriza. Prosecutors have appealed and are seeking his detention again.
Panamanian courts granted home detention or similar measures to three suspects in serious cases in hearings held over two days. The rulings involved a Colón gang case, a homicide defendant, and the father of Dayra Caicedo.
Panama police detained a Mexican national wanted for child sexual abuse in an operation coordinated with Interpol Panama. The arrest reflects the country’s role in international law-enforcement cooperation.
Four men were detained in Chiriquí after authorities seized 1,320 packages of cocaine, along with a firearm, cash and several vehicles. The case underscores ongoing anti-trafficking operations in western Panama.
Panama has seized more than 25 tons of drugs in 2026 as traffickers continue to move shipments through ports and maritime routes. The figure highlights the country’s ongoing role as a key transit corridor in regional narcotics trafficking.
A fire and explosion in Samaria, San Miguelito, sent firefighters to the scene and affected one family. No injuries were reported in the emergency.
Police arrested a third adolescent linked to an aggravated robbery on Balboa Avenue and recovered a victim’s cell phone in Terraplén. The case highlights ongoing security concerns in one of Panama City’s busiest areas.