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.
As stated by the authorities, Méndez faces an active investigation regarding suspected offenses involving aggravated fraud, document forgery, and criminal association. Handled via the nation’s Interpol Central Office, the petition was formally processed by Panama’s Second Specialized Prosecutor’s Office Against Organized Crime as a component of an ongoing inquiry.
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 was implemented following the departure of Méndez from Bolivia, a nation where he had previously enjoyed asylum protection. Bolivian officials pointed out that his exit from the country was entirely voluntary, which meant the safeguards linked to his asylum status automatically lapsed the moment he left.
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.
The Panamanian authorities had previously issued an arrest and detention order against Méndez in connection with the investigation. Following confirmation of his departure from Bolivia, the authorities moved forward with 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
