Panama: A New Era in Combating Organized Crime

A proposed bill, known as “Project 625,” aims to combat trafficking in persons, minors, corruption, and crimes against humanity by establishing a law that would allow the government to seize assets linked to organized crime. This new era in combating organized crime is crucial for Panama’s economic stability and international reputation.

The Proposed Bill

The bill seeks to give the government the power to seize assets connected to organized crime, with proponents arguing that it is essential for Panama’s economic stability and international reputation. According to lawyer and former police officer, Betancourt, this law would be a powerful tool in criminal prosecution, as even investigators who fail to prove an offense would be punished.

The Asset Forfeiture Law

Rigg, a criminologist expert and secretary general of the Ministry of Public Security, emphasized that the asset forfeiture law is not required for Panama to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list.” However, he acknowledged that Colombia has successfully implemented this law, recovering approximately $4 billion in illicit assets.

Colombia’s Experience

Colombia’s experience serves as a prime example of how an asset forfeiture law can be effective in combating organized crime. In 2018, authorities seized a 1,500-hectare property belonging to the Clan del Golfo drug trafficking group, while Mexico has also used this law to seize assets from criminal organizations and corrupt politicians.

International Comparison

Brazil, Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, and other Latin American countries have also implemented asset forfeiture laws with varying degrees of success. In some cases, these laws have been met with controversy and legal challenges, such as in Mexico’s Constitutional Chamber, which left the law inoperative.

The Way Forward

The proposed bill is expected to face scrutiny from lawmakers, who will weigh its potential impact on Panamanian society and economy. Experts argue that the law would not only help recover illegally obtained assets but also send a strong message against organized crime.

Conclusion

As Panama seeks to improve its international reputation and combat the scourge of organized crime, the fate of Project 625 hangs in the balance. Will lawmakers rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.

For more information on this topic, read La Estrella de Panamá’s exclusive interview with Andres Ormaza at: https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/poligrafo/221009/andres-ormanza-extincion-dominio