Three officials from Panama’s National Customs Authority were arrested as part of an investigation into their alleged involvement in crimes against public administration. The operation was carried out by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, with support from the National Police and the customs authority itself.
The proceedings took place in the district of Panama and are part of an ongoing investigation. During the operations, authorities found a considerable amount of cash, although no information has yet been provided regarding the amount seized or its alleged origin.
The Office of the Attorney General reported that a trio of public servants are facing an active investigation due to their suspected participation in activities potentially amounting to offenses against public administration. This intervention was carried out by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, working jointly with personnel from the National Police and Customs authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the detained officials or other details concerning the events that led to the case. The Office of the Attorney General will determine the next steps in the judicial proceedings and any potential responsibilities of those involved.
The case comes as the National Customs Authority continues investigations and oversight efforts aimed at detecting possible irregularities within the institution. In a subsequent statement, the agency said the three officials were being investigated for allegedly demanding improper payments from a user and assured that it would cooperate with authorities throughout the investigation.
According to that subsequent information, the officials allegedly requested improper payments and initially received an advance, with the purported promise that the total amount would reach 20,000 balboas. These allegations are part of the investigation and will have to be clarified during the corresponding proceedings.
The National Customs Authority reaffirmed its strict stance against any potential corruption, reminding the community that various reporting channels remain available for citizens to flag misconduct by government employees.
Source: Telemetro — https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/tres-funcionarios-aduanas-son-aprehendidos-corrupcion-n6083597
