Arrest Warrants Issued for Colombian Officials in Guatemala's Odebrecht Scandal

Guatemala Issues Arrest Warrants for Colombian Officials in Odebrecht Case Guatemala City, Guatemala – In a significant development in the ongoing Odebrecht corruption scandal, Guatemalan authorities have issued arrest warrants for two prominent Colombian officials: former Defense Minister Iván Velásquez and Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo. The warrants were issued by the Third Chamber of the Court of Appeals of the Criminal Branch of Guatemala, at the request of the Special Prosecutor's Office against Impunity (FECI). According to Licenciado Rafael Curruchiche, head of FECI, the warrants allege involvement in illicit association, obstruction of justice, influence peddling, and collusion. Curruchiche stated, "The criminal structure headed by the former commissioner of CICIG, Iván Velásquez Gómez, favored the contractors of Odebrecht, causing the State of Guatemala to lose more than 3 billion quetzales." The investigation, which has been ongoing since January 2023, has uncovered evidence, including emails, indicating the officials' knowledge of the corruption scheme. Juan Pablo Contreras, a reporter for Noticias Caracol, provided additional information, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the potential for international cooperation in bringing the accused to justice. The warrants have been issued through Interpol, ensuring that the individuals can be apprehended in any country. This case underscores the ongoing fight against corruption and impunity in Guatemala and the international collaboration needed to address such complex transnational crimes.