Guatemala Financial Sanctions List: US Targets Congress Member, Former Presidential Aide Over Alleged Corruption
US Imposes Financial Sanctions on Guatemalan Officials
In a move aimed at cracking down on graft in Central America, the United States has imposed financial sanctions on a Guatemalan Congress member and a former presidential chief of staff.
Those Targeted by US Sanctions
- Felipe Alejos Lorenzana: An elected delegate in Guatemala’s Congress
- Gustavo Adolfo Alejos Cambara: Former presidential chief of staff under President Alvaro Colom
The two individuals have been blacklisted by the US Department of the Treasury over allegations that they sought to interfere with the judicial selection process in Guatemala.
Allegations Against Targeted Individuals
According to a statement released by the US Department of State, Alejos Cambara and Alejos Lorenzana are accused of attempting to influence the selection process for magistrates to both the Supreme Court of Justice and the Court of Appeals. They allegedly sought to secure judicial rulings that would protect them from corruption prosecutions.
Washington’s Efforts to Support Anti-Corruption Reforms in Guatemala
The imposition of sanctions is part of the US government’s commitment to support improvements in governance in Guatemala, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “These sanctions support efforts by the people of Guatemala to end the scourge of corruption,” he added.
Additional Measures Against Corruption in Central America
The move comes as the Biden administration considers creating a task force to help local prosecutors in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras fight corruption. The US has also been working with other countries, including the United Kingdom, to craft lists of officials involved in corruption and impose financial sanctions on them.
Impact on Guatemalan Politics
The imposition of sanctions is seen as a significant step in Washington’s efforts to pressure Guatemalan leaders to crack down on corruption. The move follows criticism from US officials and other anti-corruption advocates over the recent refusal by Guatemalan lawmakers to swear in a corruption-fighting judge, Constitutional Court President Gloria Porras.
Key Points
- The US has imposed financial sanctions on Felipe Alejos Lorenzana and Gustavo Adolfo Alejos Cambara
- The two individuals are accused of attempting to influence the judicial selection process in Guatemala
- The move is part of Washington’s efforts to support anti-corruption reforms in Guatemala
- The Biden administration is considering creating a task force to help local prosecutors fight corruption in Central America
- The US has been working with other countries to craft lists of officials involved in corruption and impose financial sanctions on them