Editorial:  READER CONTRIBUTION

As of February 10, 2026, investigations are intensifying into the former administration of Laurentino “Nito” Cortizo (2019–2024), amid reports that individuals linked to his inner circle, including figures like Roy Cortizo, are evading authorities. While official confirmation of Roy Cortizo’s specific location remains sensitive, local intelligence and reports suggest a potential hideout in the Costa Abajo region of Colón as he allegedly evades an arrest warrant related to high-level corruption.

The Growing Corruption Scandal
The current administration, led by President José Raúl Mulino, has requested that the Public Prosecutor’s Office accelerate investigations into more than 270 complaints of corruption filed against the previous government. The investigation focuses on:
High-Ranking Officials: Former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo and multiple ex-ministers are under scrutiny for alleged crimes against the public administration, including embezzlement and “cashback” payroll schemes.
Systemic Irregularities: The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office is processing multiple cases involving alleged bribes and “bottles” (ghost employees) that characterized the five-year term.
Focus on the Costa Abajo Evasion
The search for Roy Cortizo has centered on the rugged Costa Abajo area, a region known for its remote coastal villages and dense terrain.
Warrant Details: Authorities are reportedly seeking Roy Cortizo in connection with a broader probe into influence peddling and the misuse of public funds, paralleling charges faced by other members of the former president’s family and cabinet.
The “Untouchables” Irony: During his 2019 inauguration, Laurentino Cortizo famously vowed that there would be “no untouchables,” even if they were ministers or the president himself. Now, his own relatives and close associates are the primary targets of the very anti-corruption efforts he once championed.
Current Legal Status
Official Investigations: The Public Ministry has formally initiated investigations into Laurentino Cortizo and his associates for crimes against public administration and collective security.
National Context: These developments occur as Panama continues to struggle with its international reputation, currently ranking 114th on the Global Corruption Index.
Authorities continue to monitor the Costa Abajo and other potential exits as they move to enforce outstanding warrants and bring those involved in the “lost decade” of corruption to justice.