Former Comptroller’s Secretary Zenia Vásquez Received a $700,000 Apartment and a Salary Increase of up to $5000
They are investigating the former secretary of the Comptroller General of the Republic. The hearing against the former Comptroller’s Secretary was scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm today, Friday.
The Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) is finalizing details for the preliminary hearing against Zenia Vásquez, former secretary of the Comptroller General’s Office. The former official is being investigated for the alleged crime of unjust enrichment, after a financial discrepancy exceeding $771,000 was detected, the origin of which she has been unable to explain.
The proceedings are part of an investigation related to the alleged misuse of public funds and other possible crimes against public administration. According to information released by the authorities, Vásquez de Palacios is being investigated for the alleged crime of unjust enrichment. The investigation suggests that the former official was unable to justify the origin of more than $771,000 detected during the financial investigations carried out by the competent authorities.
“Parallel Comptroller” Case
The arrest comes as part of investigations seeking to clarify alleged irregularities linked to the so-called “Parallel Comptroller’s Office” case, an investigation examining the alleged misuse of state resources. Authorities have indicated that they are continuing to gather evidence to determine possible criminal and administrative liabilities related to this case. Following her arrest, the former official must be placed at the disposal of the corresponding judicial authorities for the development of the hearings and procedures established by law.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigations to determine the scope of the events and the possible involvement of other people linked to the case. As established by Panamanian legislation, every person under investigation or prosecution maintains their right to the presumption of innocence until there is a final and enforceable conviction issued by the competent courts. Authorities have not yet reported any new precautionary measures or additional charges related to this case.
From the Comptroller’s Office to Santa María: How Zenia Vásquez Acquired a Property worth $732,500
Zenia Vásquez de Palacios is a lawyer and former government official, having served in at least two administrations, including that of Laurentino Cortizo (2019-2024). She also sees herself as an influencer, writer, philanthropist, and motivator.
However, her most well-known role is that she brought on board her colleague Odila Castillo pictured above, as a partner, legal representative, and president of her law firm—Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. At the Comptroller’s Office, Vásquez and Castillo were an enviable duo as pictured below.
The business of their law firm revolved around bureaucratic procedures for the management of payments and contractual balances that were processed, precisely, in that institution.
At the Preliminary Hearing Zenia Vásquez de Palacios Arrives in Handcuffs
The former secretary general of the Comptroller’s Office, under investigation for alleged unjustified enrichment, appears before a judge of guarantees after her arrest. Zenia Vásquez de Palacios, former secretary general of the Comptroller General of the Republic and under investigation for alleged unjustified enrichment, arrived this Friday, June 5, at the judicial offices of Plaza Ágora, one day after her capture. The decision came after a request filed by defense attorney Jessica Canto.
