HONDURAS: REFORMS PROTECTING ORGANIZED CRIME LEADERS RAISE SUSPICIONS

A year after Honduras reformed its money laundering law, dozens of individuals with alleged ties to organized crime have been freed from prison, sparking speculation that the move is an attempt by those in power to shield themselves from prosecution.

The Reform: A Gift to Organized Crime?

In November last year, the Honduran government published a reform to its Special Law Against Asset Laundering. The changes made it more challenging for prosecutors to charge individuals with money laundering, requiring them to conclusively connect suspicious assets with another crime such as drug trafficking or arms trafficking.

Who Has Been Freed?

At least 45 people suspected of being frontmen for drug cartels have had their cases dropped following the reform. Among those freed are:

• Former congressman Seth Paisano Wood and his brother Roberto, who were arrested in 2019 for running a drug trafficking network in the eastern department of Gracias a Dios.
• Five owners of construction companies and heavy machinery, who were arrested as part of Operation Arcano in 2019 for allegedly laundering money for well-known Honduran drug traffickers.

Criticism and Concerns

The reform has faced stern criticism from Luis Javier Santos, chief prosecutor for Honduras’ Special Prosecutor’s Unit Against Corruption Networks. “Entire gangs have been let out of prison because of it,” he said. “If they released the statistics of all the people who have been released from prison thanks to that reform, you’d be surprised.”

Implications and Consequences

The reforms have sparked concerns that those in power are attempting to shield themselves and their allies from prosecution. The Attorney General’s Office has stated that the reform should be deemed unconstitutional as the Supreme Court was not consulted on its legality.

As one of the most corrupt countries in Central America, Honduras has struggled to combat organized crime and corruption. The reform has only added to the challenges faced by investigators and prosecutors who are working to bring those responsible to justice.

Key Takeaways

• Honduras’ recent reform to its money laundering law has led to the release of dozens of individuals with alleged ties to organized crime.
• Critics argue that this is an attempt by those in power to shield themselves from prosecution.
• The reform has sparked concerns about impunity and corruption, further challenging investigators and prosecutors who are working to bring those responsible to justice.