Reporting on criminal incidents, investigations, and law enforcement responses across Panama. Stories focus on facts, community impact, and safety developments.
A suspect has been detained in the Conades case over an alleged embezzlement scheme involving more than $176,000 tied to unfinished sanitary units in San Carlos. The projects for La Laguna and Guayabito were reportedly left incomplete or never started.
Authorities have arrested a suspect linked to the killing of a merchant in Chitré, a March shooting that alarmed residents and business owners. The case has drawn attention because it struck a busy commercial area in Herrera province.
One person has been arrested in an alleged fraud case involving more than $500,000 against Panama’s tax authority, the DGI. Seven people have already been charged in the wider case.
Panama customs in Chiriquí seized 130,000 World Cup stickers and albums that were being taken illegally toward Costa Rica. The operation underscores tighter border enforcement in one of Panama’s key transit provinces.
Panama’s president ruled out negotiations with gangs after recent drug seizures and operations targeting criminal networks linked to contaminated containers in ports. The remarks highlight a hardline stance on organized crime and port security.
Panama’s Public Ministry warned of rising scams and new fraud tactics, including criminals posing as bank, phone company, or institutional staff. The alert urges the public to verify identities before sharing information.
Panama National Police director Jaime Fernández described how gang groups operate and said key leaders have been arrested and face judicial proceedings. His remarks highlight a strategy focused on disrupting organized crime networks at the top.
Four people were ordered into pretrial detention in Panama after a case involving drug contamination of shipping containers. The operation has led to 16 arrests so far.
The body of a 17-year-old missing for weeks was found semi-buried in a wooded area between Altos de Los Lagos and Cativá, in Colón. The teenager had disappeared after leaving for community service with classmates.
Panama Customs seized alleged counterfeit national team jerseys and 130,000 World Cup 2026 stickers in Paso Canoas, Chiriquí, during an attempted illegal crossing toward Costa Rica.
Panamanian prosecutors say a disused container at the Port of Balboa was used to hide cocaine destined for Europe. Two refrigeration technicians were ordered held in pretrial detention as the wider probe expands.
Senniaf has opened an investigation after a minor was exposed in a video circulating on social media. The agency urged the public not to share the content, citing legal and emotional harm.
Sixteen people were convicted for drug offenses in Panama Oeste after judicial actions linked to Operation Bloqueo, executed on May 9 by prosecutors and police.
Prosecutors in Colón have launched an investigation after human remains were found in a wooded area. Authorities are collecting evidence to identify the victim and determine who may be responsible.
Parents near Escuela El Mirador in San Miguelito say repeated shootings in the area are putting children at risk and deepening community fear. Some of the gunfire between criminal groups has been recorded by residents.
Panamanian authorities arrested a fugitive accused in the 1993 murder of a punk singer, ending a decades-long manhunt. The case now moves into the legal process that could determine extradition or prosecution.
ASEP has tightened rules on the sale of TV Box devices and IPTV services in Panama, warning that illegal distribution of protected content could trigger criminal liability. The move increases pressure on sellers and distributors amid growing concern over digital piracy.
Panama blocked a U.S. citizen from entering the country after identifying him as allegedly linked to child sexual exploitation crimes. The case highlights the role of border screening in protecting minors and stopping suspected offenders at points of entry.
Panama’s migration authority blocked a U.S. citizen from transiting through the country after identifying him as allegedly linked to crimes involving child sexual exploitation. The move underscores the role of border controls in preventing suspected offenders from entering the country.
Senniaf urged people in Panama not to share videos showing a minor in extreme vulnerability, warning that doing so can harm the child and violate privacy laws. The agency cited Law 285 of 2022 and said violators can face penalties.