Panama Raids Offices of Hong Kong Company That Lost Canal Port Control

Anti-corruption investigators in Panama seized documents from offices of a Hong Kong-owned company that recently lost control of key Panama Canal ports. The raids come after Panama's Supreme Court declared the company's port concession unconstitutional last month.

Anti-corruption prosecutors in Panama conducted document seizures Thursday at multiple locations tied to a Hong Kong-based corporation that recently lost its rights to operate crucial Panama Canal ports following a Supreme Court ruling last month.

Azael Samaniego, a public prosecutor specializing in anti-corruption cases, confirmed to local news organizations that authorities visited three Panama City locations belonging to Panama Ports Company. The Maritime Authority of Panama and officers from the National Directorate of Judicial Investigation joined the operation. Panama Ports Company serves as the regional arm of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison.

According to Samaniego, his department has received information suggesting potential criminal activity occurred, though he declined to elaborate on the specific nature of any suspected crimes. He emphasized that the probe remains in preliminary phases.

Neither Panama Ports Company nor Panamanian law enforcement responded to media inquiries seeking additional details.

These investigative actions follow closely behind the Maritime Authority’s recent takeover of the Balboa and Cristobal port facilities from Panama Ports Company. The corporation has disputed the court decision, while Chinese officials have claimed Panama succumbed to pressure from Washington.

Since 1997, the company has maintained control over these strategic ports, which became entangled in legal challenges amid escalating U.S.-China rivalry for regional dominance.

During the Trump presidency, American officials criticized Chinese oversight of the ports and alleged China was effectively controlling canal operations – claims that both Panama and China have consistently rejected.