Financial Sanctions Hit Russian-Belarusian Duo for Corruption in Guatemala’s Mining Sector
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed financial sanctions on a Russian national, a Belarusian national, and three associated entities for their involvement in corruption schemes in Guatemala’s mining sector.
Sanctioned Individuals and Entities
- Dmitry Kudryakov, a Russian national
- Iryna Litviniuk, a Belarusian national
- Compania Guatemalteca de Niquel (CGN)
- Compania Procesadora de Niquel (ProNiCo)
- Mayaniquel
These individuals and entities have been designated under Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption worldwide.
Allegations of Corruption
Kudryakov and Litviniuk are accused of leading bribery schemes involving politicians, judges, and government officials in Guatemala. The schemes allegedly involved corrupt practices to exploit Guatemala’s natural resources.
U.S. Government Response
“We stand with the people of Guatemala and support the protection of their country’s natural resources from external exploitation,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “We will use our tools to help ensure that corrupt profiteers face consequences for stealing from the Guatemalan people.”
Sanctions
As a result of the sanctions, all property and interests in property of the sanctioned individuals and entities in the United States or under U.S. control are blocked, and any transactions with them are prohibited unless authorized by OFAC or exempted.
Broader Strategy to Combat Corruption and Human Rights Abuse
The sanctions are part of the U.S. government’s broader strategy to counter corruption and human rights abuse globally. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which E.O. 13818 builds upon, aims to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption.
Commitment to Promoting Accountability
“Today’s action demonstrates our commitment to identifying acts of corruption and promoting accountability for corrupt actors,” said Nelson. “We will continue to use our tools to disrupt their access to the U.S. and international financial systems.”
The sanctions are seen as a key step in the U.S. government’s efforts to combat corruption in Guatemala and protect its natural resources.