The United States has imposed financial sanctions on Alberto Pimentel Mata, Guatemala’s former Minister of Energy and Mining, for his role in corruption.
According to the U.S. Department of State, Spokesperson, Pimentel used his official position to exploit the Guatemalan mining sector through 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.
The Department of the Treasury action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.
