False Accusations and Extortion

Criminal Complaint No. 202200066986 was filed on September 15, 2022, by attorney Moisés Bartlett Quiel on behalf of Villamorey, S.A. The complaint accused Lisa, S.A. of committing crimes against the administration of justice. Bartlett argued that multiple criminal complaints filed by Lisa, S.A. were intended to pressure Villamorey into a commercial settlement.

During the investigation, prosecutors reviewed all criminal filings by Lisa and emphasized that none were declared false, baseless, or “temerarious”—a legal requirement for the alleged crime. Panamanian jurisprudence, repeatedly cited in the resolution, requires a prior judicial ruling expressly declaring an earlier complaint false or fabricated before criminal liability can arise. No such ruling existed.

Regarding the allegation of extortion, the prosecutor found no evidence that Lisa sought an illicit benefit or “undue profit,” as required by statute. Instead, the evidence showed that Lisa’s actions stemmed from its long-standing shareholder dispute with Villamorey concerning unpaid dividends—an issue grounded in civil and commercial claims.

Because the requirements were not met, the prosecutor concluded that the conduct described did not constitute a crime. Pursuant to Article 275 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the Public Prosecutor ordered Provisional Archive No. 117, formally closing the case.