The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has issued a Red Notice for Panamanian citizen Saúl Méndez Rodríguez, who is wanted by Panamanian authorities in connection with alleged criminal offenses, according to information released by Panama’s National Police.
According to the authorities, Méndez is being investigated for the alleged crimes of aggravated fraud, criminal association and document forgery. The request was processed by Panama’s Second Specialized Prosecutor’s Office Against Organized Crime through the country’s Interpol Central Office as part of an ongoing investigation.
Authorities stated that the investigation involves an alleged financial fraud scheme that reportedly affected several individuals and entities. The case is also connected to allegations involving former workers, while Panama’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has previously linked Méndez to investigations involving alleged money laundering, document falsification, criminal association and aggravated fraud.
The Red Notice informs Interpol’s member nations that Méndez is sought by Panama. Nevertheless, Interpol clarifies that a Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant. Instead, it serves as an appeal to police forces globally to track down and temporarily hold an individual awaiting extradition, surrender, or comparable legal actions, depending on the internal legislation of each state.
The measure came after Méndez left Bolivia, where he had been under asylum protection. Bolivian authorities indicated that he voluntarily left the country, meaning that the protections associated with his asylum status ceased once he departed.
Méndez, who has served as secretary general of the National Single Union of Construction and Similar Workers (Suntracs), had sought protection in Bolivia while facing legal proceedings in Panama. He had maintained that he was the target of political persecution, an allegation rejected by the Panamanian government.
Previously, local officials in Panama had ordered the arrest and detention of Méndez as part of the ongoing inquiry. Once his exit from Bolivia was verified, authorities proceeded to issue the request for the international alert.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Méndez have not been established as final convictions. The Red Notice is intended to facilitate international cooperation in locating him and, if applicable, initiating the legal procedures required for his possible return to Panama.
Source: Eco TV Panamá — Eco TV Panamá article