Raid on Supreme Court offices nets 13 corruption suspects

A RAID on offices in Panama’s Supreme Court on Thursday, November 12. Led to the arrest of at least 13 people, including officials of the judiciary.

The surprise  raid the Second Superior Court, the Sixteenth Court and the Judicial Relief Office, all located in the Supreme Court in.  Ancon, was conducted by Assistant Attorney General Marcelino Aguilar.

The detainees were allegedly part of a network dedicated to acts of corruption  including  release orders, in exchange for bribes, trading in bonds, retention of arrest warrants, manipulation of hearing dates and bribing jurors. According to press releases from the judiciary and the Attorney General.

The complaint was presented by the presiding judge Jose Ayu Prado, on August 24. The investigation involved the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) and National Police personnel.

During the inquiry documents proving the alleged criminal acts were also taken.

Sources close to the investigation have reported that the event would be linked to the case of Chen Hilario Quintana, accused of crimes against property. The rapporteur of this case is Ayu Prado reports La Prensa.

Juan Carlos Varela supported, the actions taken by the authorities. “The clear message is that the right way is honesty, probity and interests of the people; any contrary element that has no place in any area of ​​national life,” Varela said through a statement released by the Presidency.

“As President I support the clean up of  any institution to recover  the focus serving the people with honesty,” he said.