A lawyer and a pastor have been charged with aggravated fraud against a church located in Llano Largo de La Chorrera, Panama, causing economic damage of one and a half million balboas (B/.1,500,000). During the hearing, at the request of the Public Ministry's Third Section of Crimes against Economic Heritage, the apprehension was legalized, charges were filed, and provisional detention was ordered for the lawyer. The pastor, however, was placed under house arrest due to his age. According to the investigation, the events date back to May 31, 2025, in Panama City. Without the authorization of the church's General Assembly, the pastor signed a fraudulent promissory note with the lawyer, who was acting as the legal representative of a company. The document backed a simulated loan in favor of that company. The obligation was deliberately breached, allowing the seizure of property, land, and assets belonging to the congregation, causing an estimated economic loss of B/.1.5 million. The defense of both accused has appealed the court decision, and the appeal hearing is scheduled for February 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. The Public Prosecutor's Office reiterated its commitment to objective and transparent investigations and to exercising criminal action before the Courts of Justice, in accordance with the Constitution and the Law.
