Noriel Arauz, manager of the Maritime Authority of Panama (AMP) in the government of Laurentine Cortizo (2019-2024), was arrested on Wednesday, July 8 at Tocumen International Airport as part of an investigation for alleged unjustified enrichment.
The arrest was requested by the anti-corruption prosecution, who conducted the proceedings with agents of the Judicial Investigation Unit (DIJ).
According to research, Arauz could have been unable to explain his income amounting to $1.3 million after his term as director of AMP.
Sources from the Public Prosecutor’s Office have explained that in this case the former civil servants will be brought before a warrant judge for charges.
The investigation had been initiated after the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic had submitted its audit report in April 2026 and his income had been verified during his period as a public official.
The warrant for his arrest was issued by the anti-corruption prosecution last June 4.
