The Arrest is Upheld as Legal for Unjustified Enrichment Regarding Noriel Araúz the Former Administrator of AMP

Noriel Araúz, the former administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), arrived this Friday at the Adversarial Penal System (SPA) courthouse in Plaza Ágora to face a hearing regarding an investigation into an alleged crime against public administration.  Araúz was arrested on the morning of Wednesday, July 8, at Tocumen International Airport, pursuant to an arrest warrant issued in June.  During the initial stage of the judicial proceeding, the judge validated the former official’s arrest after reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution, which alleged that Araúz frequently traveled to Paraguay and that documents exist supporting the claim that he was seeking temporary residency in that country. 

The prosecution’s arguments were challenged by the defense, which claimed they had not been notified of an investigation against their client—despite having visited the offices to make inquiries. Furthermore, they pointed out that only Araúz’s income earned in Panama is being taken into account, excluding earnings generated abroad.  The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office is investigating him for the alleged commission of a crime against public administration, specifically the offense of unjustified enrichment.  According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation, the alleged financial loss amounts to $1.3 million.  The hearing is taking place this Friday at the Plaza Ágora Adversarial Criminal Justice System complex, where the corresponding measures for the proceedings will be determined.