---
title: "Unachi Cooperates as Prosecutors Probe Alleged Diploma Falsification"
date: 2026-05-15
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/05/15/unachi-diploma-falsification-investigation/
categories:
  - "Education"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Chiriquí"
  - "diploma falsification"
  - "Ministry of Education"
  - "Panama"
  - "UNACHI"
---

# Unachi Cooperates as Prosecutors Probe Alleged Diploma Falsification

## What Happened

Prosecutors carried out an on-site inspection at the Autonomous University of Chiriquí, known as Unachi, as part of an investigation tied to a complaint filed by the Ministry of Education over the possible falsification of diplomas.

After the inspection, lawyers for rector Etelvina de Bonagas said the university is cooperating with the investigation and rejected any suggestion that staff members or students took part in the alleged irregularities.

## Defense of the University

The legal team said the preliminary findings so far favor Unachi. Their comments were made during a news conference following the inspection, in which they sought to distance the university community from the accusations under review.

Diploma falsification cases in Panama can carry serious consequences because academic credentials are central to professional licensing, public trust in higher education, and the integrity of institutions that issue them. For that reason, investigations involving universities often draw wide attention from education officials and the public.

## Why It Matters

Unachi is one of the main public universities in western Panama and plays an important role in training professionals across the region. Any case involving the authenticity of academic documents can affect confidence in the institution, even before investigators reach a conclusion.

The case also highlights the role of the Ministry of Education in monitoring alleged credential fraud and the responsibility of universities to protect the legitimacy of their academic records. As the investigation advances, the focus will remain on whether any falsified diplomas were issued and who, if anyone, may be responsible.