Panama.- The former head of Panama’s governing body for ports and the merchant marine, Noriel Araúz, has been placed in provisional detention, accused of alleged unjustified enrichment of more than 1.3 million dollars.
During the Laurentino Cortizo administration (2019-2024), Araúz served as administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), the autonomous state entity that regulates and executes the strategies and regulations of the maritime and port sector, which manages the isthmus’s merchant marine—one of the largest in the world—and port concessions.
The Judicial Branch reported that the Guarantee Judge of the First Judicial Circuit of Panama, Irene Cedeño, decreed the precautionary measure of provisional detention against Araúz “in the capacity of perpetrator, for the alleged commission of a crime against public administration, in the form of aggravated unjustified enrichment.”
You can also read: The Panama Canal begins evaluation of companies interested in building two ports
A statement explained that the investigation began on March 30th when, through an audit by the Comptroller General, an alleged unjustified enrichment in the amount of 1,322,234.38 dollars to the detriment of the State was determined, “attributable” to Araúz during his tenure as administrator of the AMP.
More Read
According to what was explained by anti-corruption prosecutors Jenisbeth Malek and Patricia Herrera, in addition to the more than 1.3 million dollars, the accused accumulated a substantial estate between 2019 and 2024, with properties in the Panamanian capital and in the western province of Chiriquí, among others.
Araúz was captured last Wednesday at Tocumen International Airport, which serves the capital, upon his return to Panama from Paraguay.
