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

Kayra Harding elucidated the legal and institutional measures implemented by Panama to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption. She underscored that Panama has ratified several international agreements, including the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs (1988), the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000), and the Organization of American States Inter-American Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

She elucidated that these frameworks enable Panama to criminalize drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal arms trafficking, while also facilitating extradition, asset seizure, and international judicial cooperation. The country has established financial intelligence units, early-warning systems for novel drug-trafficking methods, and regulatory systems to monitor controlled substances and chemical precursors.

Harding further emphasized national efforts to prevent corruption, including transparency laws and anti-corruption legislation aligned with the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Despite these initiatives, she acknowledged that Panama continues to encounter challenges in addressing organized crime and cybercrime and emphasized the significance of robust legislation, international cooperation, and sustained dialogue among governments and civil society to fortify democracy, security, and the rule of law.