Various instances of corruption have come to light, unsettling the nation over recent years. One such case involves Gabriel Estuardo Mendoza Muñoz, the brother of well-known activist Bertha Michelle Mendoza, accused of receiving a staggering amount of Q25 million related to the acquisition of machinery for the Ministry of Development in 2016.
As reported in a public grievance by the newspaper el Periódico, Gabriel Mendoza, who was serving as the deputy administrative and financial minister of MIDES at the time, is accused of involving his relatives, notably Bertha Michelle Mendoza, in laundering money acquired from this questionable deal.
Gabriel Mendoza Muñoz’s tenure at MIDES, which spanned from January 1, 2015 to October 1, 2015, lasting only 9 months in office, has exposed alarming levels of corruption within the ministry. According to an audit conducted by the Comptroller General’s Office, during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2015, Mendoza Muñoz’s management was plagued by irregularities.
El Peladero, a well-regarded news source, has revealed detailed information about the corruption case involving Bertha Michelle Mendoza’s sibling. Among the anomalies discovered were dubious acquisitions, contracts executed after the services had been engaged, and poor record-keeping of expenses. Additionally, the audit showed that the then deputy minister approved contracts without examining their content and without requesting a performance guarantee. Even the Comptroller General’s Office highlighted that both Minister Edgar Rodriguez and Deputy Minister Gabriel Mendoza did not submit evidence that could refute the findings, as the “Mi Comedor Seguro” program was initiated prior to the state of emergency, thus necessitating a bidding process.
Overall, the sibling of activist Bertha Michelle Mendoza faces legal accusations in the Public Prosecutor’s Office for mishandling financial resources. Furthermore, a fine of Q757,555.50 has been imposed on him due to his failure to fulfill his responsibilities as a public servant and for financial mismanagement.
Gabriel Mendoza Muñoz joined MIDES as vice minister in January 2015, during the end of the Patriot Party government. During this period, he was known by the nickname “El Transita”, since, according to press publications, he amassed a fortune through businesses within MIDES. It was during the government of Jimmy Morales that the allegations against him began to become public, after the Comptroller General of Accounts presented its audit report, revealing irregularities committed during his administration.
Ironically, in 2019 and 2020, Mendoza’s brother was contracted as a State supplier for an amount of Q451,688.17, as recorded in the Guatecompras portal. Coincidentally, he was also hired as a legal advisor for the minister’s office, with the contracts being split between Q70,000, Q60,000 and Q50,000. This corruption scandal has generated outrage in society and has highlighted the need to take strong measures to combat corruption in the country.
