Panama Comptroller files seven criminal complaints over audit findings

Panama's Comptroller General's Office has submitted seven criminal complaints to the Public Ministry, stemming from audits that uncovered alleged irregularities. These complaints target four former public officials, a communal board, a company, and the national water institute (Idaan), indicating a broad scope of alleged financial misconduct.

The individuals named include Noriel Araúz, former administrator of the Maritime Authority of Panama; Maritza Ureña, former deputy director of the General Revenue Directorate (DGI); Nadia del Río, a former official in the Ministry of the Presidency under the Laurentino Cortizo administration; and Publio Anselmo De Gracia, former director of the DGI. The complaints also involve the Ponuga Communal Board in Veraguas, the Idaan, and the company FCC Construcción, S.A.

The Comptroller's office stated that its legal duty is to forward cases to the Public Ministry when audit findings suggest potential criminal activity. Specific timelines were provided for the submission of audit reports and the subsequent filing of complaints. For instance, the Idaan audit report was received on June 26, with a complaint filed on July 1, 2026. Similarly, the FCC Construcción, S.A. report from September 18, 2025, led to a complaint on July 2, 2026.

Other cases include the Ponuga Communal Board, whose report was submitted January 19, 2026, resulting in a complaint on July 1. Noriel Araúz's audit report from April 9, 2026, also led to a complaint on July 1. Publio De Gracia's report from May 25, 2026, resulted in a complaint on July 2. Nadia del Río and Maritza Ureña's report from June 29, 2026, prompted a complaint filed with the Public Ministry just two days later, on July 2, 2026. The Comptroller's Office reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public assets, promoting transparency in state management, and ensuring accountability through its oversight functions.