In Ciudad Esperanza, Vacamonte, Panama West Province, eight people, including minors, were arrested for extorting transport workers and apartment owners in the area. Among those arrested are former members of the Bagdad Istanbul gang that operated in El Tecal.
According to police reports, the criminals demanded money in exchange for supposed protection or permission to work in the area. The extortion was mainly directed at transport workers and apartment owners.
Authorities stated that during the capture operation, evidence was seized that links the detainees to reported extortion cases in the region. Furthermore, the participation of minors in these criminal activities was identified.
The detainees were placed at the disposal of the relevant authorities to face charges of extortion. The Bagdad Istanbul gang had previously been identified as an active criminal organization in El Tecal and linked to several crimes in the area.
