The Republic of Panama’s Comptroller General has ordered the seizure of assets valued at $285,845.82 from former San Miguelito Mayor Héctor Valdés Carrasquilla and three other individuals. The action follows the detection of alleged irregularities in the administration of funds at the San Miguelito municipality, specifically involving collections at the Metro Mall agency during a two-month period in 2022.
The order, issued by the government’s top fiscal oversight body, imposes precautionary measures to protect public patrimony while an administrative process determines final responsibilities. The case centers on the alleged mishandling of municipal revenues, which officials state adversely affected public assets.
Forensic Audit Uncovers Alleged Financial Irregularities
According to the National Directorate of Forensic Auditing, the anomalies were identified in collections processed by the municipal agency at Metro Mall between March and April 2022. During this period, municipal revenues were reportedly managed inappropriately, leading to the formal investigation and subsequent asset seizure.
The Comptroller’s resolution specifies precautionary measures including the seizure of real estate properties, vehicles, bank accounts, deposits, securities, and credits against the State belonging to all implicated parties.
The Comptroller’s decision aims to safeguard national interests and guarantee transparency in municipal management, [Translated from Spanish]
stated the oversight body, currently under the leadership of Comptroller Anel Flores.
Four Individuals Face Asset Seizure Measures
Alongside former Mayor Héctor Valdés Carrasquilla, the Comptroller’s order names three other individuals subject to asset seizures: Sulay Akira Linares, Gelacio González Rodríguez, and Pedro Pablo Perea. These measures will remain in effect throughout the ongoing administrative process investigating the use of public funds.
The legal basis for these actions stems from Articles 279 and 280 of Panama’s Political Constitution and Law 32 of 1984, which grant the Comptroller General authority to implement preventive measures to protect State assets and ensure their eventual recovery if administrative or penal responsibility is confirmed.
The institution reaffirms its commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption, ensuring it will continue exercising strict and permanent control over the management of public resources, [Translated from Spanish]
the Comptroller’s office stated in its official announcement.
Legal Framework and Ongoing Process
This case represents part of broader efforts by Panama’s Comptroller General to strengthen fiscal oversight and combat corruption within municipal governments. The asset seizure represents a preventive, rather than punitive, measure under Panamanian law, designed to secure potential recovery routes while investigations proceed.
The administrative process will continue to examine evidence and determine the extent of responsibilities among the named individuals regarding the alleged mishandling of municipal funds. This development occurs amid increased scrutiny of public officials and follows other Panama government initiatives aimed at improving transparency and security in public administration.
As the investigation advances, the Comptroller’s office has emphasized its ongoing commitment to rigorous financial oversight and the protection of Panama’s public resources against potential mismanagement.