In Panama, due process is not being respected, and this is not only concerning former deputy and former Pandeports director, the Perredist Hector Brands, but in general, because things are being done by force. This was stated in the declaration. The former director of the Panamanian Institute of Sports (Pandeports) and former deputy, Hector Brands, was apprehended early yesterday morning during the 'Bavaro' operation, a raid carried out jointly by the Public Ministry and the National Police. According to the authorities' information, the former deputy was apprehended along with his 3 children, his ex-partner, and current partner. Brands is being investigated for alleged unjust enrichment and money laundering. Prosecutor Eduardo Rodríguez explained that the investigation began on August 29, 2025, following a report from the Financial Intelligence Unit and an audit from the Comptroller General's Office. He stated that the events under investigation date from 2019-2024, when changes were recorded in the board of directors of a society in which Brands and some members of his family participate. According to the prosecutor, this society began to benefit from large state contracts exceeding 10 million. Funds from these payments would have been transferred to accounts of societies linked to the former deputy and his relatives and used to purchase luxury items and travel abroad. Prosecutor Rodríguez said there are reports indicating alleged unjust enrichment of over a million dollars. Finally, the official emphasized that traceability was detected to the relatives' accounts, who were also part of the beneficiary societies and would have lent their names to the opening of companies, including coffee shops. Meanwhile, the lawyer for the former Pandeports director, Victor Orobio, ensures that due process is not respected in the country. 'All we know is that we have two companies that are well-founded, well-established, have legitimate income, and have clients that are corporations,' he added. Regarding the apprehension of the relatives, he indicated that 'for the prosecutor of the crime, the fact that there are money transfers between relatives and that the crime is the source of the income.' Both Brands and his relatives must remain in custody until the guarantees hearing, which could be held this Wednesday. Also among those apprehended are Elvis Rodríguez, Eliana Cedeño, Aldair Brands, Aimar Brands, Hector Brands Jr., and Ediluz Brands.
