U.S. imposes sanctions on former Guatemalan Minister Pimentel for corruption

The United States says it is imposing financial sanctions on Alberto Pimentel Mata, Guatemala’s former Minister of Energy and Mining, for his role in corruption.

A statement from the U.S. Department of State, issued by its spokesperson, Matthew Miller, on Wednesday said Pimentel used his official position to exploit the Guatemalan mining sector though bribery schemes, including schemes related to government contracts and mining licenses.

“Corrupt and anti-democratic acts undermine Guatemala’s public institutions, threaten regional stability, and fuel migration from the northern Central America region.

“The United States remains committed to taking action against illicit activities carried out by officials who abuse their positions of power to seek personal benefit at the expense of the Guatemalan people.

“On October 31, 2023, the Secretary of State announced the public designations under Section 7031(c) of Alberto Pimentel Mata, and his immediate family members, for his involvement in significant corruption,” he said.

Miller said the Department of the Treasury action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which built upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.