Panama Audit Office to Send Ex-Public Works Minister Probe to Prosecutors
Key Facts
Panama’s audit office has opened a series of inquiries into officials from the previous government. The most prominent target so far is Rafael Sabonge, the former public works minister.
Comptroller General Anel Flores said on 18 September that the Sabonge probe will go to the Public Ministry, Panama’s prosecutors. La Estrella de Panamá reported that the referral will follow once the audit office completes its procedures.
Why It Matters for Panama
Sabonge headed the Ministry of Public Works from 2019 to 2024 under President Laurentino Cortizo. The ministry manages Panama’s largest state infrastructure contracts, including roads, bridges and hospitals.
The best-known project of his tenure is the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal. La Estrella reported that design changes, including dropping a monorail component, are under scrutiny for alleged cost overruns.
Panama uses the US dollar, so all amounts here are in dollars. The Contraloría, Panama’s comptroller general, audits public funds but cannot itself bring criminal charges.
What the Auditors Found
According to La Estrella, forensic auditors found known income of US$993,534.05 against spending of US$1,697,986.56. That leaves an unexplained gap of US$704,452.61, which the audit office treats as possible unjustified enrichment.
Resolution 2766-2026-DNAJ/MP of 8 September ordered a precautionary seizure of assets up to that amount. La Estrella reported that it covers two apartments, three bank accounts and registered vehicles.
Flores said the case is at an initial stage and called the figure preliminary, able to rise or fall. He added that his office is also investigating other former and current officials.
Earlier Complaints
Destino Panamá reported that prosecutors admitted a separate criminal complaint against Sabonge and others in May 2025. The current public works minister has also filed a complaint over alleged negligence on the Fourth Bridge project.
Attorney General Luis Gómez said on 15 September he had not been told whether any file had reached anti-corruption prosecutors. He cited the presumption of innocence and the rules that bar him from discussing named people before a verdict.
La Estrella also listed a contract of about US$6.9 million with SmartBrix Centroamérica for modular hospitals among decisions under review. The paper stressed that the asset seizure is a precautionary measure, not a conviction.
What Is Not Yet Known
Sabonge has not been charged, and no statement from him appeared in the reports reviewed by The Rio Times. It is not known when the file will reach prosecutors or whether they will open a criminal case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rafael Sabonge?
He was Panama’s minister of public works from 2019 to 2024 under President Laurentino Cortizo. He has not been charged with any crime.
What does the comptroller allege?
Auditors cite a preliminary gap of US$704,452.61 between his known income and spending. The comptroller says the figure may change.
Sources: La Estrella de Panamá, probe to be sent to the Public Ministry, La Estrella de Panamá, comptroller Flores announces referral, La Estrella de Panamá, Sabonge’s decisions under scrutiny, La Estrella de Panamá, attorney general’s comments, La Estrella de Panamá, assets seized from Sabonge, Destino Panamá, comptroller seizes Sabonge’s assets
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