Reporting on criminal incidents, investigations, and law enforcement responses across Panama. Stories focus on facts, community impact, and safety developments.
A judge in Colón charged Barrio Norte representative Javier Lynch and treasurer Orlando Salazar with embezzlement over alleged irregularities in up to $6 million in decentralization funds. Prosecutors will seek provisional detention as the case moves to the next stage.
A court hearing involving the representative and treasurer of the Barrio Norte community board led to provisional detention for the board official. The judge also reviewed the legality of the arrest, the formal charges and possible precautionary measures.
Nine people were charged with peculado and cohecho in the IFARHU aid case, and prosecutors will appeal after the judge declined precautionary measures. The case centers on alleged misuse of public funds tied to student assistance.
School officials in La Chorrera are investigating threatening messages written in the bathrooms of the Guillermo Endara Galimany School. Classes continued normally while staff worked to identify those responsible.
Former La Chorrera mayor Tomás Velásquez was detained during an anti-corruption operation linked to an alleged embezzlement case involving municipal funds. The investigation centers on suspected irregular handling of public money in the local administration.
Classes were partially suspended at a La Chorrera school after messages about a supposed shooting triggered a police investigation. Authorities activated safety protocols as a precaution.
Former La Chorrera Mayor was detained during raids in an alleged municipal embezzlement case. Prosecutors are examining the handling of local government funds.
A judge in Darién sentenced three people to 80 months in prison for drug trafficking after authorities seized 834 packages. The case highlights Panama’s ongoing fight against narcotics routes in the eastern border province.
Authorities searched the home of former La Chorrera mayor Tomás Velásquez in an anti-corruption probe over the alleged irregular use of decentralization funds. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of municipal spending in Panama.
Former La Chorrera mayor Tomás Velásquez has been detained in an investigation into alleged peculation, a case that puts local government accountability in focus. The move adds fresh attention to anti-corruption efforts in Panama.
The reaffirmation of Ricardo Martinelli’s New Business conviction strengthens the case against his persecution narrative and puts fresh pressure on his asylum claim. The ruling also raises broader questions about rule of law and equal justice in Panama.
Authorities seized eight firearms inside La Joya Penitentiary in Panama City, and one death was also reported. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in Panama’s prison system.
Panama City neighborhoods Bella Vista and Betania rank among the top areas for vehicle theft in Panama, with Chiriquí and Panamá Oeste also standing out. The pattern highlights a nationwide crime problem affecting both urban centers and key transit corridors.
Panama’s National Police arrested people involved in a shooting near Doleguita School in Chiriquí’s Dolega district. No injuries or deaths were reported after the midday confrontation.
A cocaine seizure in the United Kingdom has renewed concern over Panama’s role in international drug trafficking routes. The case highlights the pressure on Panamanian ports to strengthen cargo screening and anti-corruption controls.
Panama’s Education Ministry has denounced a corruption network accused of inserting false diplomas into teacher eligibility records. Officials say 50 forged diplomas have already been identified.
A deadly clash at La Joya prison has sparked renewed calls for tougher security controls in Panama’s correctional system. Experts say the incident underscores the urgent need to stop weapons from entering prisons.
The Ifarhu economic aid case has grown to 39 defendants after nine more people were charged with corruption and embezzlement. A judge declined precautionary measures, while prosecutors continue probing how aid funds were awarded and used.
Panamanian migration officers detained a Cuban man at Tocumen Airport after identifying an active U.S. arrest warrant linked to serious trafficking allegations. He was traveling from Suriname to Mexico when routine checks triggered the arrest.
Schools in San Miguelito are reinforcing security as part of a prevention effort covering about 16 campuses. The plan brings authorities and school communities together to help keep minors away from drug-linked criminal networks.