The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has issued a Red Notice for Panamanian citizen Saúl Méndez Rodríguez, who is wanted by Panamanian authorities in connection with alleged criminal offenses, according to information released by Panama’s National Police.
According to the authorities, Méndez is being investigated for the alleged crimes of aggravated fraud, criminal association and document forgery. The request was processed by Panama’s Second Specialized Prosecutor’s Office Against Organized Crime through the country’s Interpol Central Office as part of an ongoing investigation.
Officials indicated that the probe centers on a purported financial scam that allegedly impacted multiple persons and organizations. Moreover, the matter ties into accusations concerning past employees, and the Panama’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has earlier associated Méndez with inquiries touching on suspected money laundering, document falsification, criminal conspiracy, and aggravated fraud.
The Red Notice informs Interpol’s member nations that Méndez is sought by Panama. Nevertheless, Interpol clarifies that a Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant. Instead, it serves as an appeal to police forces globally to track down and temporarily hold an individual awaiting extradition, surrender, or comparable legal actions, depending on the internal legislation of each state.
The measure was implemented following the departure of Méndez from Bolivia, a nation where he had previously enjoyed asylum protection. Bolivian officials pointed out that his exit from the country was entirely voluntary, which meant the safeguards linked to his asylum status automatically lapsed the moment he left.
Méndez, who has served as secretary general of the National Single Union of Construction and Similar Workers (Suntracs), had sought protection in Bolivia while facing legal proceedings in Panama. He had maintained that he was the target of political persecution, an allegation rejected by the Panamanian government.
Previously, local officials in Panama had ordered the arrest and detention of Méndez as part of the ongoing inquiry. Once his exit from Bolivia was verified, authorities proceeded to issue the request for the international alert.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Méndez have not been established as final convictions. The Red Notice is intended to facilitate international cooperation in locating him and, if applicable, initiating the legal procedures required for his possible return to Panama.
Source: Eco TV Panamá — Eco TV Panamá article
