Financial Sanctions and Embargoes Target Guatemala Corruption
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed financial sanctions on two high-ranking officials in Guatemala for their roles in corruption, a move aimed at promoting accountability and disrupting the flow of funds to corrupt networks.
Background
Guatemala has been plagued by political instability and allegations of government malfeasance. The country’s judicial system has faced numerous challenges, including attempts to influence the selection process for magistrates and judges.
Sanctioned Officials
Gustavo Adolfo Alejos Cambara, former Chief of Staff to President Alvaro Colom’s administration, and Felipe Alejos Lorenzana, an elected delegate to the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, have been designated under Executive Order 13818 for their involvement in corruption.
Allegations of Corruption
According to investigators, Gustavo Alejos Cambara had been seeking to exert influence over the selection process, allegedly facilitating payments to congressional representatives and judges in exchange for their support. Felipe Alejos Lorenzana is accused of facilitating bribes from private construction firms to secure congressional approval for state infrastructure projects.
Significance of Sanctions
The sanctions are seen as a significant step forward in holding corrupt officials accountable, and reinforce actions taken by the US Department of State last year to publicly designate both individuals under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.
Quote
“The United States will continue to engage closely with our allies to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who engage in corruption,” said Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen.
Global Effort
The sanctions are part of a global effort to combat human rights abuse and corruption, building upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The act targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world, and seeks to disrupt their access to the international financial system.
Key Steps
- Freezing all property and interests in property within US jurisdiction or owned by US persons
- Prohibiting transactions with sanctioned individuals
- Reinforcing actions taken by the US Department of State
- Promoting transparency and accountability in Guatemala’s political and economic systems
Judicial Selection Process
Guatemala’s judicial selection process has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including allegations of tampering with candidate rosters and influence-peddling by corrupt officials. The sanctions are seen as a key step forward in promoting transparency and accountability in Guatemala’s political and economic systems.
By imposing financial sanctions on these high-ranking officials, the US is taking a strong stance against corruption in Guatemala and sending a clear message that corrupt activities will not be tolerated.