Panamanian Podcaster Barto Takes a Break After Illegal Arrest

Podcaster Bartolo Encarnación Guante, known as Barto, will take time to recover his emotional stability after his apprehension in the 'Total Fraud' operation was declared illegal. (...) 'When you go through something like this, you have no control, you have no answers, and you break emotionally,' said Barto, who thanked the people who trusted him and sent him messages reminding him of who he is and how he has always conducted himself. In the early morning of November 18, the podcaster's house was raided due to his alleged involvement in a network dedicated to financial crimes and money laundering, an event that completely disrupted his image, peace, and routine. While Barto is away, he assured that his partner, Alex, will continue with the podcast and trusts he will do well because he is a great professional. Case details: Keila Martínez Espinosa, a guarantees judge of the First Judicial Circuit of Panama, declared the apprehension of Barto and three other people illegal. However, they were charged 'with the alleged commission of crimes against the economic order, in the form of money laundering, to the detriment of said banking entity.' In a hearing held on November 19, the precautionary measure of periodic reporting once a month was decreed for three of the accused, while one was banned from approaching Caja de Ahorros, the bank that suffered fraud for the amount of $786,171.98. 'That support was truly like an embrace in the middle of the chaos,' he expressed. (...) 'When I am stronger and more balanced, and I can entertain them again, give them smiles, and share with you, we will be back from this pause,' Barto concluded. 'The Guaranties Court considered that the precautionary measures imposed were the most consonant, given the minimal involvement of the accused in the criminal process,' reads a communique from the Judicial Branch (OJ).