Former DGI Director Publio De Gracia Arrested in Operation Cuestor
PANAMA CITY, August 11, 2026 – The Public Ministry, through the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Office, carried out Operation Cuestor and arrested two people, including former DGI director Publio De Gracia, Metro Libre reported.
The investigation concerns alleged unjustified enrichment and money laundering, with authorities linking the case to a claimed patrimonial injury of B/.724,682.39 against the state.
Metro Libre reported that the operation had support from the Judicial Investigation Directorate and the National Police intelligence directorate.
The case has drawn business-sector reaction because it arrives amid broader scrutiny of alleged irregularities connected to tax administration.
Former APEDE president Giulia De Sanctis said investigations into alleged DGI irregularities should drive deeper transformation of the tax administration, according to Metro Libre.
The matter remains at the investigative and judicial stage, so the presumption of innocence applies while prosecutors pursue hearings and evidence.
Why it matters
The arrest involves a former senior tax official and allegations linked to public funds and institutional trust.
What happens next
A guarantees hearing and further prosecutorial steps will determine the immediate legal path of the case.
