Several corruption cases have come to light in recent years, shaking the country. One such case involves Gabriel Estuardo Mendoza Muñoz, the brother of prominent activist Bertha Michelle Mendoza, who stands accused of overcharging a staggering Q25 million for machinery purchased for the Ministry of Development in 2016.
As reported by the newspaper el Periódico, Gabriel Mendoza, who served as the vice administrative and financial minister at MIDES, allegedly enlisted the help of his family, including Bertha Michelle Mendoza, to launder the funds acquired through this dubious transaction.
Gabriel Mendoza Muñoz’s brief tenure at MIDES, from January 1, 2015, to October 1, 2015, lasting only 9 months, has exposed significant corruption within the ministry. An audit by the Comptroller General’s Office for the period between January 1 and December 31, 2015, revealed a multitude of irregularities during Mendoza Muñoz’s leadership.
El Peladero, a reputable media outlet, has extensively covered the corruption case involving Bertha Michelle Mendoza’s brother. The audit uncovered suspicious purchases, contracts signed post-service delivery, and inadequate expense records. It also highlighted that the vice minister signed contracts without due diligence or performance bonds. Both Minister Edgar Rodriguez and Vice Minister Gabriel Mendoza failed to provide evidence to refute the findings, especially regarding the creation of the “Mi Comedor Seguro” program before the state of calamity, which should have involved a bidding process.
The activist Bertha Michelle Mendoza’s brother has faced criminal charges before the Public Prosecutor’s Office for mishandling funds, resulting in a fine of Q757,555.50 for his failure to fulfil his duties as a public official and for financial irregularities.
Gabriel Mendoza Muñoz assumed the role of vice minister at MIDES in January 2015, towards the end of the Patriot Party government. Known as “El Transita,” he reportedly amassed wealth through dealings within MIDES. Allegations against him surfaced during Jimmy Morales’ administration following the Comptroller General of Accounts’ audit report revealing malpractices during his term.
Ironically, in 2019 and 2020, Mendoza’s brother was contracted as a State supplier for Q451,688.17, as per records on the Guatecompras portal. Additionally, he was hired as a legal advisor for the minister’s office, with contracts split between Q70,000, Q60,000, and Q50,000. This corruption scandal has incited public outrage and emphasized the urgent need for stringent anti-corruption measures in the country.
