# Corruption investigations in Panama

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/corruption-investigations-in-panama
> Updated: 2026-09-16T22:44:39.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

Panamanian prosecutors have conducted several investigations resulting in provisional detentions, most notably regarding a major corruption case involving the General Directorate of Revenues (DGI). Initial investigations into the DGI alleged that suspects paid public officials to manipulate tax platforms, causing losses exceeding $21 million.

Following these developments, an appeals court ruled that Publio De Gracia, the former director of the DGI, will remain in provisional detention. The court rejected requests for house arrest or electronic monitoring, citing risks of evidence destruction and potential harm to public assets. De Gracia faces charges of alleged unjust enrichment and money laundering after findings indicated he accumulated approximately $724,682 in unexplained funds between 2019 and 2024. This case is part of broader investigations, including operations Cuestor and Pandora, which have targeted a network involved in embezzlement, forgery, and money laundering, leading to the apprehension of over 16 individuals.

As of September 2026, De Gracia remains in detention following the court's decision to deny his request for house arrest due to the ongoing risks of evidence destruction and the allegations of unjust enrichment.

## Claims

- Publio De Gracia is accused of alleged unjust enrichment and money laundering. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Superior Court of Appeals rejected a request to change provisional detention to house arrest or electronic monitoring. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Publio De Gracia will remain detained at the La Nueva Joya penitentiary complex. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- An audit by the Comptroller General determined the former official accumulated $724,682 of unexplained origin. (single source)
- Judges ruled that less severe measures would increase the risk of destroying key evidence. (single source)
- The investigation is part of operations named Cuestor and Pandora, involving a network of corruption, embezzlement, and forgery. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Legal proceedings and corruption cases unfold across Latin America

Multiple legal battles involving corruption, embezzlement, and administrative misconduct are proceeding across Latin America and the US, affecting former ministers and high-ranking officials.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/publio-de-gracia-to-remain-in-detention-amid-corruption-probe

### 2026-09-10: Panama prosecutors secure multiple provisional detentions

Panama's Attorney General's Office has secured multiple provisional detentions involving corruption, attempted homicide, domestic violence, and aggravated theft.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-prosecutors-secure-multiple-provisional-detentions

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Cite as: Corruption investigations in Panama. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/corruption-investigations-in-panama