Publio De Gracia, former DGI director, arrested in Panama

A Panamanian judge has legalized the arrest of Publio De Gracia, the former director of the General Directorate of Revenues (DGI) from 2019 to 2024, and his wife, Eliane González. The arrests were carried out as part of ‘Operación Cuestor’ by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.

De Gracia and his wife are accused of unjustified enrichment and money laundering. Investigations, prompted by a May 2026 audit from the Comptroller General of the Republic, suggest an unjustified patrimonial increase of approximately $724,682. The prosecution also noted a substantial increase in the use of credit cards that were immediately paid off.

Authorities have ordered the seizure of several assets allegedly linked to the crimes, including three real estate properties, four bank accounts, and six high-end vehicles such as Toyota Prado, Lexus, and BMW models. During the hearing, Judge Fermín Bonilla denied a defense request to keep the proceedings private, stating that De Gracia is an adult capable of facing responsibility for actions that damage public trust.