Financial Crime World

GUATEMALA - Financial Crime Prevention Tips Amidst Ongoing Challenges

As Guatemala continues to face the complex challenges of financial crime, security, and human rights, it is essential to work together to address these pressing concerns.

Advances in Law Enforcement and Security

According to a recent report, US assistance has contributed significantly to advances in law enforcement professionalism and capability throughout Central America. This has led to a decrease in homicide rates and an increase in the capacity to seize illicit drugs. However, despite these gains, challenges remain.

Ongoing Challenges

Gangs and extortion continue to pose a threat, while transnational crime is on the rise. Additionally, uneven capabilities among law enforcement and security services, inadequate resourcing of security needs, and the impact of the pandemic on law enforcement are just a few of the hurdles that must be overcome.

USAID Initiatives

To combat these issues, USAID has launched a range of projects aimed at:

  • Providing citizen security
  • Addressing corruption
  • Protecting human rights

These initiatives complement efforts by the Government of Guatemala to reduce crime and violence, strengthen rule of law institutions, and address the root causes of insecurity.

Focus Areas

A key focus area is Gender-Based Violence, with USAID supporting:

  • Specialized courts for violence against women and sexual exploitation
  • Strengthening the government’s capacity to prevent, detect, and prosecute trafficking in persons (TIP)
    • Providing victim shelters and prevention activities aimed at reducing vulnerability to TIP

Additionally, USAID is prioritizing:

  • Community Policing, promoting violence prevention initiatives, and supporting professional security forces that earn the respect of citizens
  • Countering Organized Crime, disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations, and building safe communities through violence prevention and intervention

Addressing Corruption and Improving Transparency

Experts stress the importance of addressing corruption and improving transparency within Guatemala’s criminal justice systems in order to achieve sustainable progress.

Promoting Human Rights and Respecting Marginalized Populations

Marginalized populations, including women, girls, indigenous peoples, Afrodescendants, and LGBTQI+ individuals, continue to face discrimination and violence. It is essential to promote respect for human rights, labor rights, and press freedom to address these ongoing challenges.

Conclusion

By working together to address these pressing issues, experts believe that Guatemala can build a more secure and prosperous future for its citizens.