In a press conference led by the Attorney General of the Republic and Chief of the Public Ministry, Ms. María Consuelo Porras Argueta, authorities of the Public Ministry provided updates on ongoing investigations related to the penitentiary crisis affecting the country.

Ms. Porras Argueta was accompanied by Mr. Dimas Jiménez, Metropolitan Regional Prosecutor, and the following officials:

• Daniel Benjamín Baten, Office for Crimes of Extortion
• Edwin Marroquín, Section Prosecutor, Office for Crimes Against Life and Personal Integrity
• Gerson Recinos, in charge of the Metropolitan District Prosecutor’s Office

During her remarks, the Attorney General emphasized that every state institution has clearly defined functions under the Constitution and applicable laws, which are neither optional nor interchangeable, and admit no excuses. She clarified that the PM’s exclusive mandate is criminal prosecution and investigation of criminal acts, and that public security and crime prevention fall outside its responsibilities.

Regarding recent attacks against National Civil Police agents, Ms. Porras Argueta stated that the PM acted with promptness and technical rigor, initiating investigations on January 17, coordinating search operations and arrest orders immediately. She highlighted that under her administration, the fight against criminal structures has been significantly strengthened, achieving historic and decisive results.

“The Public Ministry maintains ongoing investigations into serious acts of corruption, not only within the penitentiary system but also across multiple government entities, including escapes of prisoners, thefts of firearms, and participation of former officials, some of whom remain fugitives from justice,” she emphasized.

She also sent a steadfast message to President Bernardo Arévalo: “The Constitution is clear. The law is clear. Functions are clear. Offering opinions without technical knowledge or institutional responsibility is not only irresponsible, it undermines the rule of law and confuses the public. If you cannot guarantee security, govern with order, and manage the largest budget in history responsibly, at least stop attacking the institutions fulfilling their constitutional duties. Be serious. Take responsibility. Get to work.”

Ms. Porras Argueta concluded by affirming that the PM will not stop and that investigations continue to advance to bring criminals, corrupt officials, and all responsible parties to justice.

Arrests and Operations

• Dimas Jiménez reported that during PM-led search operations, Harold Salguero was apprehended in flagrante delicto. Evidence seized included a firearm, a mobile phone, and illicit substances, all under analysis according to established protocols. The individual was presented to a competent judge, linked to criminal proceedings, and placed under preventive detention. Investigations continue, and charges may be expanded based on evidence analysis.
• The Villa Nueva Municipal Prosecutor’s Office conducted three strategic search operations, resulting in the capture of two individuals allegedly responsible for armed attacks, also presented to a competent judge.
• On January 19, the Office for Crimes Against Life and Personal Integrity executed 17 search operations, seizing high-caliber firearms for analysis.

Criminal Network Investigations

• Daniel Baten, of the Office for Crimes of Extortion, reported ongoing investigations against the Barrio 18 gang, specifically the “Solo Para Locos” clique, active in:
  • Villa Nueva
  • Quetzaltenango
  • San Marcos
  • Retalhuleu
  • Alta Verapaz
  • Izabal

During 2025, the Office for Crimes of Extortion carried out 1,471 search operations, prosecuted 2,166 individuals, secured convictions for 2,027 defendants, seized 166 firearms and 57 vehicles, and executed 12 prison raids.

Finally, all files related to armed attacks have been transferred to the Office for Crimes Against Life and Personal Integrity, which will continue the relevant investigations and legal proceedings.

Guatemala City, January 21, 2026