They investigate alleged human trafficking network managed by the Ministry of Communication of Guatemala

A government anti-corruption commission Guatemala has launched an investigation into an alleged human trafficking network that operated in the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing (Micivi) in recent years. The revelation was confirmed this Wednesday by Santiago Palomo, head of the commission.

“It is an extremely delicate issue. Any issue of this magnitude has to be treated with due diligence,” Palomo declared in a radio interview. According to the official, the network operated in a critical ecosystem within the Guatemalan Ministry of Communications, where impunity was a general rule. Palomo emphasized the need to dignify the ministry’s staff as a great challenge to overcome.

The existence of this network first came to light in 2018 during the government of former President Jimmy Morales, but no formal complaints were filed with the Prosecutor’s Office at that time. The case resurfaced again when the Minister of CommunicationsJazmín de la Vega, was dismissed by President Bernardo Arévalo for failing to meet payment dates to construction companies.

In a recent press conference, De la Vega regretted that his complaint about the trafficking network has not been adequately attended to by the authorities. He stated that he had informed President Arévalo about the situation in January, when both took office.

President Arévalo assured that the complaint is being investigated by the National Commission Against Corruption, an entity created to fulfill one of his main campaign promises. According to Palomo, De la Vega’s complaint mentioned the presence of “young ladies” assigned to a Micivi unit, whose functions were not clear.

“Apparently, there was a catalog that was distributed among the people involved; I understand that this physical catalog exists; it is unfortunate and sad,” Palomo said.

The anti-corruption commission has requested from the agency involved a detailed report on the actions taken against this alleged mafia. In a statement, the entity described the accusations as “serious” and stressed that, if proven, they would constitute a violation of human rights and an alarming example of the levels of corruption in the State of Guatemala.

The statement also required the ministry to explain “how it learned about the incident, the particularities, the people affected and those possibly responsible for benefiting from said network.” The commission described the allegations as “alarming” and stated that, if confirmed, they would represent a “denigrating, repugnant and inhumane” act.

I studied journalism at the University of Guadalajara. I am a web reporter at DEBATE, I cover the daily events of Jalisco, Aguascalientes and Guanajuato. I write about topics that concern Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlajomulco, Tlaquepaque, El Salto and the interior of the state. My journalistic work is focused on gender, disappearances, security, Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office, Jalisco Government, 2024 elections in Jalisco, Light Train, Guadalajara Airport and Guadalajara Zoo. Support with the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo, where I cover the 2024 electoral process and security events. In addition, I write in the Health sections as well as Style and Life, in which I follow topics from the WHO, the Ministry of Health, epidemics and pandemics; family psychology, couple relationships, education, health problems, mental health, physical well-being, beauty tips, feng shui, stress and work well-being. I am available at email [email protected]

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