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Crime rates rise in Spain and Panama as sexual offenses involving minors increase
Official reports from Spain and Panama highlight significant trends in criminal activity and judicial strain. In Madrid, the Prosecutor's Office reported an increase in sexual offenses among minors aged 14 to 17, rising from 591 cases in 2024 to 663 in 2025. The judicial system in the region is facing high pressure, with 155,650 pending proceedings at the end of 2025 and an increase in trial suspensions. While the number of prosecutors grew slightly to 384, officials state this is insufficient to meet the rising caseload and demands for specialization.
In Illescas, Spain, crime rose by 17% during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Notable increases include a 100% rise in vehicle thefts and a 66% increase in sexual offenses. Conversely, robberies involving violence and drug-related crimes saw a decrease.
In Panama, the Prosecutor General reported that 78% of the 4,599 sexual offense complaints filed between January and August 2026 involved minors. The 15 to 17 age group accounted for 42% of these cases. Additionally, 177 cases were classified as doubly aggravated rape, involving perpetrators from the victims' close family circles.
Entities
Fiscalía de la Comunidad de Madrid · Illescas · Isabel Martín · Luis Carlos Gómez · Ministerio Público de Panamá · Ministry of the Interior · Panama · Prosecutor's Office of Madrid · Spain
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of prosecutors in Madrid increased from 373 to 384 in the last year. cronicaeconomica.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Panama recorded 177 complaints for doubly aggravated rape, involving offenses by close family members. www.telesurtv.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] In Panama, 78% of the 4,599 sexual offense complaints filed between January and August 2026 involved minors. latinamericanpost.com · www.telesurtv.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sexual offenses attributed to minors aged 14 to 17 rose to 663 cases in 2025, up from 591 in 2024. www.que.madrid · cronicaeconomica.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Panama, victims aged 15 to 17 accounted for 42% of the sexual offense complaints in 2026. www.telesurtv.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Criminal offenses in Illescas increased by 17% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. illescasaldia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vehicle thefts in Illescas increased by 100% during the first half of 2026. illescasaldia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There were 155,650 pending proceedings at the end of 2025, an 8.4% increase from the previous year. cronicaeconomica.com