21St Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Corruption and Transnational Organized Crime

Mr. Jonathan Riggs, representing the government of Panama, expressed gratitude to the Guatemalan Congress and Crime Stoppers for hosting the event. He emphasized that corruption and organized crime pose significant threats to global peace and stability.

Mr. Riggs underscored the efficacy of asset forfeiture (extinción de dominio) as a legal instrument for dismantling criminal networks by seizing assets acquired through illicit activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime. He informed that Panama’s Asamblea Nacional de Panamá is currently deliberating legislation on this mechanism.

Furthermore, Mr. Riggs highlighted that confiscated assets can be utilized to support public programs, citing Honduras as an instance where recovered funds have been instrumental in assisting vulnerable children. He concluded by reiterating the paramount importance of robust legislation, due process, and international collaboration in effectively combating organized crime.