crime

Store owner faces prosecution

la prensa

possible scam: Officials say that DMG Comercializadora Virtual may be a front for money laundering. 1119020

Colombian authorities are apparently seeking businessman David Murcia Guzmán, 27, for allegedly using his various businesses to launder money. He has also been accused of running illegal pyramid schemes in that country.

Guzmán is believed to be in Panama, where he operates similar businesses to those he ran in his home country.

DMG Comercializadora Virtual, in Edison Plaza, was crowded yesterday with customers, none of whom were aware that the owner of the company is being sought by Colombian law enforcement.

The business allows people to purchase coupon books from DMG that can be exchanged for goods at various other businesses and restaurants.

An estimated 3 million people have been victims of Guzmán's pyramid schemes in Colombia. In addition to that country and Panama, he also operates businesses in Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana. He had planned to expand to Mexico in 2009.

Rigoberto González, an official in the Attorney General's Office, said that the Public Ministry has not yet received a formal request for information from Colombia. But he expected that request to be made very soon.

José Ayú Prado, head of the Directorate of Judicial Investigation, said that he has not received any request for information from Interpol or any other agency seeking information about Guzmán.

Comercializadora Virtual has three locations in Panama City, as well as stores in Chiriquí, Herrera and Colón.