Tman wrote:
I have been here in Panama over 2 years...and coming here over 3. This is the first story of this kind I am hearing. I also have to ask...what kind of police car was it? New? I did hear that there were robberies by police impersonators going down. It also sounds very strange that the first taxi didnt stick around expecting his fare. This sounds like a total set up by TWO taxis...and MAYBE a police impersonation. Obviously it is very upsetting...but I dont believe this is the "norm" around here. I personally still believe the police here are less corrupt than my experiences in Costa Rica. And you never know...the girl COULD be in on it. Which in my opinion is another reason I never take these girls out to my hotel. In service is much safer and MUCH cheaper. Especially if you were paying the standard Miami club take out rate of $300+...YIKES.
Sorry this happened to you Chi. I hope you got some license plate numbers at least...or taxi ID numbers that are on all licensed taxis here in Panama. If you got in a pirate taxi or non numbered taxi...you were definitely taking a high risk to begin with.
THis happens in every Latin country I have lived in ...so I wouldnt be quick to say it is MORE common in Panama than elsewhere. YOu were unfortunately at the wrong place, wrong time, with the wrong people...un benownst to you. It reinforces the rules of always watching you backside, dont take all your stuff with you in the street here or anywhere...and shit can happen especially late night or middle of the morning in these countries. Traveling solo adds greatly to those risks. Wish I would have been there with you...because I dont think it would have happened to two people...and I would have people to call.
If there are any details privately you want to send me that would help identify the police...I would be glad on your behalf to at least make a report...both to local authorities...and the US embassy. I'm going there tomorrow anyways. Its in all our better interest to try and track down these people or make noise anyways to the right local people.
Again...sorry this happened to you.
I would love to be able to give you info, but I have nothing. It all happened so fast, and I was on the phone with 911 at the end. I believe they may have been fake cops. However, the car was totally real. It had all of the standard equipment. I doubt the chica was involved as they robbed her too. She was also frantically calling my hotel and 911. Unless she is a great actress, don't think she was involved. I believe the whole thing was setup between the taxis and the police.
Other than this incident, I really like Panama. Yes - I believe this can happen in any latin country. That night, my time was due and I only lost a small amount.
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