Friday, February 21, 2025.
Infidelity Investigations: A Private Investigator’s Perspective
When BM Investigations began operations in 1994, one of our primary areas of work was infidelity investigations. At the time, we handled 10 to 20 cases per month, often requiring multiple teams working simultaneously. Over the years, we have seen firsthand how infidelity plays out—not just in the emotional and legal consequences, but also in the ease with which individuals engaged in affairs expose themselves to discovery.
The Legal Requirement for Evidence in Panama
In Panama, as in many jurisdictions, obtaining legal cause for divorce requires evidence. The affected spouse must present proof of infidelity or misconduct to the courts, making private investigators an essential resource in these cases. Our job is to gather this evidence discreetly and professionally, ensuring that our clients have the documentation needed to proceed with their cases. Whether it’s through surveillance, digital forensics, or other investigative means, we have refined our methods to uncover the truth.
Infidelity: A Psychological Weakness That Makes Itself Obvious
Dr. Jordan Peterson, in his book Beyond Order, discusses the psychological turmoil that comes with engaging in dishonest and destructive behaviors, such as infidelity. He highlights that when people betray their commitments, they also betray themselves in ways they don’t immediately realize. Their focus becomes fractured, their emotional stability wavers, and they stop thinking clearly—leading them to make careless mistakes.
From an investigative perspective, this psychological unraveling is precisely what makes infidelity cases relatively obvious to detect. People engaged in affairs think they are being clever, but in reality, they are changing their routines in noticeable ways. Some of the most common indicators we see include:
- Altered Behavioral Patterns: A sudden shift in habits, such as working late more often, unexplained trips, or an unusual interest in personal grooming.
- Emotional Detachment: The cheating spouse often becomes emotionally distant, no longer engaging with their partner in the same way.
- Reallocation of Free Time: Time that was once spent with family or at home is now redirected to unknown activities.
- Financial Red Flags: Unexplained expenses, secret credit cards, or cash withdrawals that don’t match their usual spending patterns.
- Digital Footprints: The use of multiple phones, hidden social media accounts, or an increased need for privacy with electronic devices.
Why Infidelity is a Losing Game
As Peterson points out, engaging in an affair is not just a betrayal of one’s partner but also a self-destructive act. The psychological toll of deception leads to increased stress, anxiety, and ultimately, a loss of control. Individuals in these scenarios become more reckless over time, convinced they are still in control while they are, in fact, displaying every red flag possible.
For private investigators, this means that infidelity cases are often straightforward. The more someone tries to cover their tracks, the more obvious they become. They stop thinking logically and let their emotions dictate their decisions, which ultimately makes catching them a matter of patience and observation.
A Lesson in Commitment
The role of a private investigator in these cases is not to pass judgment but to uncover the truth. However, experience has shown us that trust, honesty, and commitment are the foundations of any successful relationship. When these are broken, it is not just the betrayed partner who suffers, but also the betrayer, who slowly loses their grip on reality.
At BM Investigations, we continue to offer our expertise in uncovering the truth, helping our clients move forward with the clarity they need. While technology and tactics have evolved, human nature remains unchanged—those who betray often end up revealing themselves in the most predictable ways.
If you suspect infidelity and need professional assistance, our team is here to help. Contact us to discuss your case confidentially and take the first step toward finding the truth.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Precautionary Measures: Periodic Reporting and Travel Ban for 83 Defendants Over Protests
A Guarantee Judge decreed precautionary measures for the 83 individuals charged in connection with the disturbances on Avenida Balboa, including:
Precautionary Measures: Workers Detained in Protests
• Reporting to the authorities twice a month.
• Travel restriction from leaving the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste.
• Prohibition from approaching the victims of the case.
These measures were imposed after analyzing the arguments presented by the Prosecutor’s Office and the defendants’ defenses during the control hearing.
98 Deported Migrants from the U.S. Transferred from a Hotel in Panama to Darién
Nearly 300 Migrants Arrived in the Central American Country on Three Flights from the United States
A group of 98 migrants, out of the 299 deported by the United States who were staying in a central hotel in Panama, were transferred last night to a shelter in the province of Darién, home to the namesake jungle that serves as a natural border with Colombia. This transfer occurred after they had not yet agreed to voluntarily return to their countries of origin.
Initially, 109 migrants were set to be transferred last night, but 11 ultimately decided to return to the hotel to voluntarily take flights from Panama back to their home countries, a source familiar with the process told EFE on Wednesday.
Thus, out of the nearly 300 migrants deported from the U.S. to Panama last week under an agreement between both nations, 98 were transferred to Darién, at least 13 have already returned to their countries by air, and another 187 remain in a hotel in Panama City after accepting voluntary return.
Additionally, Panama’s National Migration Service announced in a statement on Wednesday that “a foreign national of Chinese nationality has escaped,” allegedly with the external assistance of individuals who were lurking around the hotel, which was under the surveillance of Panamanian security forces.
On Tuesday, EFE was outside the hotel where the migrants are being housed, where some wrote messages on the windows such as “help” or “we are not safe in our countries.”
Panama’s Minister of Security, Frank Ábrego, explained on Tuesday that these nearly 300 migrants were under the “custody” or “temporary protection” of the Panamanian government at the Decapolis hotel, near the coastal avenue in Panama City.
He noted that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are managing the “repatriation” process.
The IOM clarified that its role is limited to working “with local officials to assist those affected, supporting voluntary returns for those who request them, and identifying safe alternatives for others,” providing “humanitarian support and facilitating returns when it is safe to do so.”
Ábrego had previously stated that around 171 of the 299 migrants “agreed to return voluntarily.”
The nearly 300 migrants arrived in the Central American country on three flights from the United States, which deported them following the tightening of immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Although the Panamanian government has not provided details about the nationalities of all the migrants, the first flight carrying over a hundred deportees included individuals from Asia, such as China, Afghanistan, and India, among others.
Panama agreed to serve as a “bridge” for mass deportations from the U.S. after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Central American country amid tensions over Trump’s threats to “take back” the Panama Canal.
General Comptroller’s Office Begins Forensic Audit at the Social Security Fund
The General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic announced the start of a forensic audit at the Social Security Fund (CSS), covering the period from 2019 to 2024, in response to complaints filed by the institution’s Finance Department.
Areas to Be Audited by the General Comptroller’s Office
• Medication system
• Payrolls
• Pensions
According to item 4 of Article 11 of Law 32 of 1984, modified by Law 351 of 2022, the Comptroller’s Office is authorized to conduct audits and investigations either upon complaint or ex officio. In this case, the complaints received prompted the review to ensure transparency and the proper use of public funds.
Objectives of the Forensic Audit
• Detect and prevent possible irregularities, fraud, and acts of corruption.
• Ensure that public funds are managed correctly.
• Investigate potential fraudulent mechanisms used to circumvent regulations or obtain illegal benefits.
The Comptroller’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption and promoting accountability within state institutions.
Pan-American Highway to Have Closures Until February 23
From Tuesday, February 18, to Sunday, February 23, some lanes of the Pan-American Highway will be temporarily closed, as reported by Metro de Panamá on the social media platform X.
These disruptions will affect drivers traveling through areas such as Nuevo Chorrillo, Vista Alegre, Loma Cová, Arraiján Cabecera, and Burunga, heading towards La Chorrera.
The closures will take place due to beam lifting and station construction work.
🔺 Closure at Vista Alegre
A section of the four lanes of the Pan-American Highway will be closed, from Super Xtra in Vista Alegre to Plaza Margarita.
🔺 Closure at Loma Cová and Arraiján Cabecera
• Closure of the lanes leading to La Chorrera, from after the new roundabout on Roberto F. Chiari Highway to the Arraiján station, in front of Plaza Xtra, and the deactivation of the new interchange at Loma Cová—near the PATSA area.
• Closure of the access route leading to Arraiján Cabecera, which runs from the new lanes from Centenario to Plaza Xtra.
🔺 Closure at Nuevo Chorrillo
Closure of all four lanes of the Pan-American Highway in front of the Nuevo Chorrillo station construction site, from the access to Nuevo Chorrillo to the Fu Yuang Shopping Center.
🔺 Closure at Burunga Towards Panama City
A section of one of the lanes leading to La Chorrera will be closed from just before Plaza Burunga to Plaza Oeste, as well as a section of both lanes leading to Panama City, from Residencial La Arboleda to beyond Plaza Kuang.
Attention! Fuel Prices Will Increase in Panama This Week
Starting this Friday, fuel prices in Panama will see a significant increase. Gasoline (91 and 95 octane) will rise by two cents per gallon, while diesel will increase by one cent.
It is important to note that these prices will remain in effect until Friday, March 7.
Fuel Prices Starting This Friday
Panama
• 95 octane: 0.927
• 91 octane: 0.882
• Diesel: 0.856
Colón
• 95 octane: 0.927
• 91 octane: 0.882
• Diesel: 0.856
La Chorrera & Arraiján
• 95 octane: 0.930
• 91 octane: 0.885
• Diesel: 0.859
Penonomé
• 95 octane: 0.935
• 91 octane: 0.890
• Diesel: 0.864
Las Tablas
• 95 octane: 0.943
• 91 octane: 0.898
• Diesel: 0.872
Santiago
• 95 octane: 0.940
• 91 octane: 0.896
• Diesel: 0.869
David
• 95 octane: 0.948
• 91 octane: 0.903
• Diesel: 0.877
Changuinola
• 95 octane: 0.977
• 91 octane: 0.933
• Diesel: 0.906
The Panama City Mayor’s Office to Strengthen the City’s Video Surveillance System
The Panama City Mayor’s Office announced the implementation of a plan to strengthen the video surveillance system in the capital district, which will include expanding the camera network and using body-worn devices by municipal security guards.
“Ten years ago, when it was installed, it was very good, but today it needs attention (…) Nowadays, there are shopping malls with more cameras in their parking lots than the mayor’s office has in the entire city,” said Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi.
He cited the example of the police in Orlando, Florida, USA, explaining that the software and technology they use allow them to identify potential behaviors and generate alerts within the system itself. “Our Legal inspectors and some guards are already using body cameras,” Mizrachi said, adding that this measure also helps reduce opportunities for corruption.
