Five people, including 4 merchants of Asian origin and a public official, have been convicted of fraud and other related offenses concerning the Digital Scholarship Program (Pase U) of the Institute for Human Resources Training and Utilization (IFARHU). The sentence was handed down after a trial in which their responsibility to the detriment of the program was demonstrated.
The ruling was issued by a judge of guarantees in West Panama, who legalized the apprehension of a 43-year-old citizen involved in this criminal scheme. According to the investigation, the accused manipulated information and documentation to improperly obtain resources intended for educational scholarships, thus affecting the legitimate beneficiaries of the program.
The trial presented compelling evidence that demonstrated the active participation of the convicted in the commission of these crimes, which undermine the transparency and integrity of educational aid programs in the country. Given the seriousness of the facts, the judge determined the corresponding penalties for each of the involved, aiming to send a clear message about the intolerance towards such fraudulent behaviors.
In the words of the judge in charge of the case: "The issued sentence aims to set a precedent in the fight against corruption and fraud, especially when these directly affect education and equal access to training opportunities. It is essential to protect the resources allocated for scholarship programs to ensure that they truly reach those who need them most."
