Update on Boquete Crime Situation

In my last post, I made comments about crimes of opportunity in Panama. I specifically mentioned a situation in Boquete with a local criminal by the name of Ozzie.  Well, I have an update to share on the info that is a bit eye-opening.

The criminal was arrested through the combined efforts of a local anti-crime group called “Alto al Crimen” which works off donations from the expats in Boquete,  the local police and the DIJ (Dept of Justice). Together they set up a sting operation that resulted in the arrest of “Ozzie,” now identified as Frederick Allen Osburn – AN AMERICAN! He has been arrested before, but was later released.

This time, it looks like there is plenty of evidence to keep him incarcerated OR he might be sent back to the US since he has misappropriated social security funds from a couple. I understand that being sent back would be his preference, since prisons in Panama are not very luxurious!

Kudos to Alto al Crimen. As stated before, they represent the local Boquete community and operate on a volunteer basis through donations. They have no administrative expenses. Donations fund the hotline, donations to local police and fees to hire a detective when necessary. They have resolved other cases as well, including issues of burglery and attempted fraud. Obviously they help make Boquete a safer place and their methods involve the both the local community and the expat community, a true win-win situation.

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