Amid the tranquil streets of Guatemala lies a web of corruption allegations that have shaken the core of justice. The recent order for the arrest of Colombia’s ambassador to the Vatican, Iván Velásquez, and Luz Adriana Camargo, Colombia’s Attorney General, has sent shockwaves through both countries.
The accusations stem from their alleged involvement in corrupt practices related to the Odebrecht case. This led to an international red alert being issued by Interpol for charges including illicit association, influence peddling, obstruction of justice, and collusion. Both individuals were formerly part of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).
Rafael Curruchiche from Feci revealed that arrest warrants had been issued against Aldana Hernández, former Attorney General of Guatemala, and Mayra Johana Véliz López, ex-Secretary-General of the Public Ministry. Furthermore,Juan Pablo Carrasco de Groot and Luis David Gaitán Arana found themselves embroiled in this legal storm alongside former AmCham Guatemala president.
In a statement shared by Guatemalan authorities,Curruchiche stated,
“Such individuals can be apprehended in any country.”
The Guatemalan judicial system highlighted how
“the criminal structure headed by former CICIG commissioner Iván Velásquez Gómez favored Odebrecht contractors,resulting in losses exceeding Q3 billion for Guatemala.”
The saga dates back to 2023 when Guatemalan prosecutors initiated legal actions against Velásquez for his activities during his tenure with CICIG between 2013 and 2017.Camargo also faced scrutiny as she had investigated corruption networks within the nation.Velásquez was accused of greenlighting irregular cooperation agreements with high-ranking Odebrecht officials.
Speaking out,Velásquez defended himself saying,
“I am confident that my work in Guatemala was conducted transparently within the boundaries of the law governing CICIG operations.”
Meanwhile,Camargo emphasized her commitment to transparency and fighting impunity while serving as Minister of National Defense at that time.
Camargo now finds herself under increased scrutiny following discrepancies in granting leniency requested by Sandra Ortiz,a key witness in a corruption case involving UNGRD.These unfolding events underscore a complex tale intertwining power,betrayal,and accountability within Guatemala’s corridors of justice.
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