Former Vice President of Panama José Gabriel Carrizo has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court to nullify a resolution by the Comptroller General that led to the seizure of his assets in an investigation into alleged unjust enrichment. According to the prosecution, Carrizo received income of $7.1 million during his tenure, but after his term ended, his declared assets exceeded $9 million, a difference of $1.9 million. Among the assets seized from Carrizo are a bank account at the National Bank of Panama (BNP); three current accounts and two savings accounts at Banco General; a current account at Multibank; and an account at Prival. The list also includes at least three properties in the municipality of Penonomé, Coclé province, each registered with a value of $500. On January 28, Judge Oris Medina charged Carrizo with unjust enrichment and ordered house arrest and a travel ban as precautionary measures. During the hearing, Carrizo's defense filed a declaration of unconstitutionality, arguing that the case should be heard by the Supreme Court due to his status as a member of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), despite not having been sworn in. On February 12, the First Judicial District's Court of Appeals confirmed the house arrest measure for Carrizo.
