A Guatemalan Man was Arrested in Panama for the Alleged Crime of Migrant Smuggling.

A Guatemalan citizen was placed under provisional detention in Panama, accused of allegedly guiding an Ecuadorian migrant towards the border with Costa Rica.

The Regional Prosecutor’s Office of Chiriquí charged him with alleged crimes against humanity, specifically the illicit trafficking of migrants.

The incident occurred at the Guabalá comprehensive checkpoint, in the district of Tolé, province of Chiriquí. It all began during the inspection of a commercial bus, when authorities detected an Ecuadorian citizen on board who, according to investigations, had entered Panama irregularly through the Darién province, bordering Colombia.

The foreigner was traveling with the Guatemalan citizen, who allegedly guided him to Paso Canoas, the main border crossing between Panama and Costa Rica. The illicit trafficking of migrants in Panama is punished as a crime against humanity when a person guides, transports or facilitates the irregular passage of foreigners in exchange for money or other benefit. In this case, the Guatemalan was identified as the person who was leading the Ecuadorian towards leaving the country.

During the hearing before a Court of Guarantees, the Public Prosecutor presented the elements that link the accused to the illicit activity. The prosecution also argued the procedural risks that justified a precautionary measure against him.

After evaluating these arguments, the court ordered the man’s provisional detention while the investigation proceeds. The case came under the scrutiny of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office of Chiriquí, the body that has been carrying out the investigations since the irregularity in immigration control was detected. The Attorney General’s Office of Panama reiterated its commitment to pursue criminal charges before the Courts of Justice.

The organization emphasized that it acts with high respect for citizens’ rights and in strict adherence to the Constitution and the law.