Panama Authorities Dismantle Network Erasing Millions in Tax Debts via E-Tax System

Panama's Public Ministry has dismantled a criminal organization, operating under the "Pandora" operation, accused of manipulating the E-Tax system to erase millions of dollars in tax debts. The alleged scheme involved both public officials from the General Revenue Directorate (DGI) and private individuals who are said to have commercialized the illicitly obtained tax credits.

The investigation, led by the First Specialized Prosecutor's Office Against Organized Crime, conducted 23 raids across Panama, Panama Oeste, Colón, and Coclé provinces. According to official reports, the organization allegedly eliminated substantial tax accounts of taxpayers who had already settled their obligations. These amounts were then registered as unapplied payments, affecting over $40 million in accounts.

Following the manipulation of the E-Tax system, the next step in the alleged scheme involved selling these compromised tax credits at their actual value to a national credit institution. This fraudulent process was intended to generate illicit economic benefits. During the raids, authorities seized technological equipment and documents pertinent to the investigation, which will undergo further analysis.

The Public Ministry confirmed that approximately 19 individuals are wanted in connection with this criminal structure. Investigations are ongoing to locate these individuals, gather additional evidence, and determine the full extent of the alleged damage to public finances. The operation underscores a significant effort to combat financial crime and corruption within the country's tax administration.

“

The amount of the affected accounts exceeds 40 million dollars.