The Alternate Deputy To Shirley Castanedas Defends the Alleged Leader of the Gulf Clan: Ricardo Valencia and the ‘Fisher’ Case
Ricardo Valencia, alternate for Shirley Castañeda, president of the Assembly. The Fisher case trial has been taking place for a year at the facilities of the Judicial Office against Organized Crime, located on Via España.
For a year now, in the courts located in the Judicial Office against Organized Crime, on Via España, the trial of the members of an alleged gang network dismantled in the so-called Fischer operation has been taking place. His lawyer is Ricardo Valencia, alternate deputy for Shirley Castañedas, president of the National Assembly (AN) since July 1st. On election day, Valencia accompanied Castañedas in the chamber.
The “Fisher Case” in Panama refers to Operation Fisher (Operación Fisher), a massive 2021 anti-money laundering investigation that uncovered an extensive drug-trafficking network linked to the notorious Colombian criminal organization, the Gulf Clan. Launched in February 2020 by Panama’s First Drug Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation dismantled a criminal cell operating out of the Colón province used to store, guard, and transport narcotics.
Key Details of the Case:
- The Record Haul: In December 2021, authorities raided a residence in Costa Abajo, Colón, seizing over $10.9 million in cash—the largest single seizure of drug money in Panamanian history.
- Arrests & Assets: Police detained 57 individuals, including security personnel and corporate service facilitators. Authorities also seized 34 luxury vehicles, multiple bank accounts, and high-value real estate.
- Ongoing Trial: More than 50 of the suspects were formally called to trial to face charges for money laundering and aggravated illicit association.
