Alleged Embezzlement and Money Laundering of Close to 150 Thousand Dollars Places Two Former Ifarhu Officials Under Arrest.

Two former officials of the Institute for the Training and Use of Human Resources (Ifarhu) were arrested for their alleged involvement in money laundering and embezzlement crimes, to the detriment of the entity, for an amount of $145,265.  The search warrants, executed jointly with the National Police, were carried out in the district of Tocumen, Panama province, after the prosecutor’s office issued arrest warrants.  The investigation is based on evidence obtained by the prosecution that reveals an irregular handling of checks and Social Key cards from Ifarhu during 2022, resources that were intended for students from low-income families. 

The investigation revealed the alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of 414 checks and 84 Clave Social cards belonging to the Panama East regional agency of IFARHU (the Institute for Training and Development of Human Resources). According to the investigation, the former officials endorsed the checks to merchants in Tocumen, giving them a portion of the money and keeping the rest for themselves.  Both detainees will be brought before a judge in the coming hours for the formal charging of offenses and the application of precautionary measures.  The Public Prosecutor’s Office is conducting several investigations related to alleged irregularities in the handling of funds from Ifarhu, including those related to economic aid, the PASE-U program, and the collection of scholarship checks intended for students with low economic resources.