The Colombian Retail Sector was Shaken by a Major Judicial Operation Involving Panama andTargeting Lili Pink In April 2026

The Investigation and Allegations: Lili Pink has 330 retail locations in Colombia and a total of 85 in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Venezuela.

• Massive Operation: On April 27, 2026, the Fiscalía General de la Nación (Attorney General’s Office) and the Technical Investigation Corps (CTI) carried out raids on more than 300 to 400 Lili Pink establishments across 59 cities in Colombia.
• Alleged Crimes: The investigation, which began in 2022, focuses on illegal textile smuggling and money laundering, with authorities suspecting the chain was used to facilitate the illicit entry of goods.
• Financial Scope: The network reportedly laundered more than $730 billion pesos and was involved in illegal enrichment exceeding $430 billion pesos.
• Smuggling Mechanism: The company allegedly utilized shell companies and imported products—including toys and cosmetics, not just lingerie—relabeled as national production.

Consequences and Current Status

• Asset Forfeiture (Extinción de Dominio): Authorities initiated asset forfeiture procedures on 405 commercial premises, 40 properties, and several vehicles linked to the company.
• Management Change: The affected assets are being placed under the administration of the Sociedad de Activos Especiales (SAE) while the judicial process continues.
• Stores Remain Open: Despite the intervention, the stores continue to operate under supervision, aiming to protect the jobs of more than 2,300 employees.
• Owner Involvement: The investigations point to a complex structure involving a Panamanian holding company (Lili Brands Inc.) and the founders, David and Max Abadi.

Company Response

Following the raids, Lili Pink issued a statement acknowledging the “administrative process” and expressed their intention to cooperate with authorities, while asking to protect the brand’s legacy and the jobs of their workers.

Panamanian Companies are Mentioned in the Scandal of the Colombian Stores ‘Lili Pink’

Prosecutor’s Office Raid on Lili Pink stores in Colombia for Alleged Smuggling and Money Laundering 

In 2015, the company became part of the Panamanian holding company Lili Brands, Inc., which has international operations. In Colombia, the business is operated by Fast Moda SAS. The Technical Investigation Corps (CTI) of the Colombian Attorney General’s Office carried out multiple raids on Tuesday at the Colombian stores Lili Pink, a well-known women’s lingerie chain that has expanded rapidly in recent years, drawing the attention of authorities in the neighboring country. The chain has also reached Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico, and its corporate structure includes Panamanian entities.  Thus, the Colombian State will assume provisional administration of some 400 stores – which also sell pajamas, body splash, swimwear, makeup and skin care products – while, in parallel, investigations continue against its directors for alleged crimes, such as money laundering, illegal enrichment and smuggling of textile products.

Why is Panama so Important in the Investigations of the Lili Pink Case?

In the Lili Pink chain scandal, one name has emerged in the investigation: that of Nicaraguan Malaquita Bismar Hernández, a resident of Panama. This individual is either the president or an officer of approximately twenty Panamanian companies. Lili Pink has 330 retail locations in Colombia and a total of 85 in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Venezuela.

The Colombian Prosecutor’s Office is facing a complex case involving corporate instruments from both Colombia and Panama, allegedly used to launder money and evade taxes. This is a developing legal case as of May 2026.