Former El Coco officials detained in Panama for alleged embezzlement

A judge has ordered the provisional detention of a former representative and a former treasurer from the Communal Board of El Coco in La Chorrera, Panama. The two are allegedly linked to embezzlement, with an estimated economic damage of approximately $181,661.51 to the state.

The precautionary measure was requested by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office following arrests made last Thursday. The investigation centers on alleged irregularities in the handling of funds from two state programs: the Public Works Investment and Municipal Services Program (PIOPSM) and the Social Interest Program (PDIS).

For the PIOPSM, investigators are looking into a potential financial loss of $52,838.01 between July 2019 and June 2024. An audit report from the General Comptroller's Office revealed a lack of supporting documents for 147 checks issued by the Communal Board. In the PDIS case, a separate investigation uncovered a financial impact of $128,823.50 due to missing documentation for 324 checks.

Searches were conducted in the provinces of Panama Oeste and Chiriquí by the Attorney General's Office, through the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, with support from the National Directorate of Police Intelligence. A third individual, also a former treasurer, was apprehended on Thursday in connection with the case.