The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, launched a severe warning this Thursday to the country's banking and financial sector, questioning its role in money laundering and the circulation of illicit funds within the system. In his traditional weekly press conference, the head of state asked that the banks 'do their part' after pointing out that money from drug trafficking and corruption continues to move freely in Panama. 'I ask the country: has any drug trafficker ever been found with a stash of millions of dollars over the years?' the president asked. He stated that sometimes they find one or two, but the money stolen from this country through acts of corruption, have they found it at its creators? The country cannot lose control in terms of security because some act and others let it happen. But those who move 38 million, the system leaves them alone and then makes them sign for 15 and 30. This is not only a job for the authorities, it is a job for all of society. This is the country we have'. In a tone of frustration, the head of state recounted his own personal experience to illustrate what he considered a contradiction: 'I had to grab a bull on the farm and take it to the auction because it was breaking down the entire fence. But when I was paid 1,350 dollars and went to deposit it, the bank stopped the transaction three times. Meanwhile, those moving millions, nothing happens'. Mulino linked the financial problem to the fight against organized crime: 'Drug trafficking and money laundering crimes involve the movement of that money. However, there are people moving millions, and nothing happens'. The head of the Executive branch warned that he will soon convene a meeting with representatives of the banking sector to discuss this issue head-on. 'It cannot be. Those moving 38 million are left untouched, while the rest of us are asked for the life story of our grandparents for being 50 dollars out of profile. They demanded proof that my cattle was registered in the municipality of Anton and three years of tax returns, just to cash a check. This is absurd'. The president closed his reflection with a forceful phrase: 'We cannot talk about security if the money of crime continues to circulate impunely in our banks. This is a job for everyone, but above all for those who hold the key to the financial system'.
