Several cases of nepotism have been uncovered in Panama. At the University of Panama (UP), two officials were sanctioned for maintaining family ties in their workplace. One of them was dismissed, and the director received an economic penalty equivalent to 50% of their salary. In the Colón mayor's office, similar acts of nepotism were detected involving two female officials; one was dismissed and the other was sanctioned. At the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi), the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Antai) recommended the dismissal of five officials for nepotism. Additionally, an official from the Ministry of Housing was fined an amount equivalent to 50% of their salary for the 'improper use' of their working hours. Through a press release, Antai detailed that a total of 15 officials were sanctioned for various cases, primarily related to nepotism. One prominent case involved a national director of the Panamanian Institute for Special Rehabilitation (IPHE), who had their spouse under their direct supervision. Following a 'thorough investigation process,' Antai determined the relationship. Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, another official was sanctioned for failing to meet the requirements for a key position. Furthermore, in the Veraguas university extension, a conflict of interest existed as two married officials worked within the same administrative unit.
