Apartment in Bella Vista Panama Seized: Former Head of Tax Collections at the DGI Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement

2026-03-04 - 00:18

Panama City, Panama: A raid operation in Brisas del Golf between the Attorney General’s Office and the National Directorate of Police Intelligence led to the arrest of the former head of Collections of the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI), who held the position during the period 2020-2024, for alleged involvement in the crime against Public Administration in the form of embezzlement. In the same action, the provisional seizure of an apartment located in the Bella Vista area, owned by the suspect, was ordered. According to the deed of sale, the property is valued at $145,000. According to investigations carried out by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, there are five open cases linking the former official to the irregular recognition of tax credits for the purchase and installation of fiscal equipment by various companies. The investigations point to the issuance of fraudulent resolutions that allegedly created fictitious credits, causing financial losses to the State exceeding $500,000. The Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that in the coming hours it will request a hearing to legalize the arrest, formulate charges and request the imposition of precautionary measures in all related cases. In this process there are six people charged: three former officials and three private individuals, which broadens the scope of the investigation and suggests a possible structured arrangement for the improper approval of tax benefits. In a statement, the Attorney General’s Office reiterated its stance against crimes against public funds. “The Attorney General’s Office reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of state resources,” the statement reads.