# Organized crime and corruption in Panama

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-and-corruption-in-panama
> Updated: 2026-09-11T22:38:22.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Panama continues to face systemic challenges regarding organized crime, corruption, and institutional infiltration. The National Police, through its Directorate of Professional Responsibility, has dismissed several officers and referred them to the Public Prosecutor’s Office following links to criminal structures. Police Director Jaime Fernández noted that criminal organizations have spent decades strengthening their access to various institutions, citing over 900 complaints against members last year.

In the political sphere, the Supreme Court is investigating two deputies for potential penetration by organized crime. This follows President José Raúl Mulino’s stance against negotiating with drug trafficking organizations. Simultaneously, the National Police has admitted to using undercover agents within social organizations and labor unions, such as Suntracs. While the police maintain these operations are legal measures to preserve public order, activists allege the surveillance is used to intimidate those opposing government projects, such as mining in Donoso.

Corruption and money laundering trends remain high. The Public Ministry reported 164 convictions in 2026, surpassing the 138 convictions recorded between 2024 and 2025. Attorney General Luis Gómez Rudy oversees more than 6,500 active anti-corruption cases. Although over $9 million has been recovered this year, the economic damage remains severe; ‘Operación Pandora’ alone has caused losses exceeding $40 million. Furthermore, the decade-long Odebrecht investigation nears a conclusion, with a sentence expected in the coming months after 11 years of legal proceedings.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Panama police admit to using undercover agents in social organizations

Panama's National Police confirmed using undercover agents within social organizations and unions, following allegations of illegal espionage aimed at intimidating political critics and labor leaders.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-police-admit-to-using-undercover-agents-in-social-organizations

### 2026-08-17: Panama faces rising corruption and money laundering challenges

Panama reports a rise in corruption and money laundering convictions, with over 575 rulings since 2024. Despite millions recovered, the economic damage from cases like Operación Pandora exceeds recovery totals.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-faces-rising-corruption-and-money-laundering-challenges

### 2026-08-17: Organized crime infiltration under scrutiny in Panama

Panamanian authorities are investigating the infiltration of organized crime within the National Police and the legislature, following the dismissal of officers linked to criminal groups.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/organized-crime-infiltration-under-scrutiny-in-panama

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Cite as: Organized crime and corruption in Panama. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-and-corruption-in-panama