Panamanian influencer Barto Flow, whose real name is Bartolo Encarnación Guanté, and four other people have been charged with money laundering in a case that has shaken public opinion. Yesterday, the guarantees hearing for the five detainees in the "Fraude Total" operation was held in Courtroom 5 of the Accusatory Penal System. The Prosecutor's Office states that this group would have been involved in a financial fraud against Caja de Ahorros, causing a loss of $786,171.98. The judge declared the apprehension of the accused illegal, but after evaluating the elements presented by the Prosecutor's Office, she decided to proceed and charge them. According to the investigation, the money comes from bank deposits over $30,000 made by Imelda Caballero, Barto Flow's mother-in-law. In his defense, Barto Flow denied participating in fraudulent transactions, claiming that the funds received were due to family ties and that the media coverage of the case has been unnecessary and harmful. As precautionary measures, three of the accused, including the influencer, must report monthly to the authorities, while one of them is prohibited from approaching Caja de Ahorros, the institution that suffered the financial loss. The origin of the case dates back to the "Fraude Total" operation, related to the presentation of false appraisal reports to obtain mortgage loans. The hearing was held at the Accusatory Penal System in Plaza Ágora and extended from 10:00 a.m. until after 5:00 p.m., making it clear that the process was neither short nor simple. The Public Ministry will continue the investigation to determine additional responsibilities.
