Panama Prosecutor Closes Investigation into Ex-VP Gaby Carrizo, Prepares Indictment

Panama's investigation into former Vice President and presidential candidate José Gabriel 'Gaby' Carrizo for alleged aggravated illicit enrichment has officially closed.

The Public Ministry is now preparing its indictment document for an intermediate hearing, where a judge will decide whether the case advances to a full oral trial. Carrizo's defense team confirmed they have been notified of the investigation's closure by the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office. "We have been notified of the closure of the investigation. We are awaiting the presentation of the indictment and the date for the intermediate hearing," stated lawyer Víctor Orobio.

The investigation's conclusion follows the expiration of the inquiry period and the rejection of the prosecution's request to extend the deadline by declaring the case complex. This means the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office must now formally request the hearing and submit its indictment, detailing the alleged facts, legal classifications, and supporting evidence. Subsequently, Carrizo's defense will have the opportunity to respond to the charges and outline the evidence they intend to present during the intermediate hearing.

The case originated from a report by the Comptroller General of the Nation, which identified alleged patrimonial irregularities. The report indicated a potential unjustified increase in Carrizo's assets totaling $1.9 million during his tenure in public office. In an initial administrative phase in November 2025, the comptroller ordered the seizure of Carrizo's assets and bank accounts up to $1.3 million.