Mr. Ángel Arnoldo Pineda Ávila, Secretary General of the Public Ministry (PM); Mr. Dimas Jiménez y Jiménez, Regional Metropolitan Prosecutor; Mr. Luis Minicio Silva López; and Mr. Bernar Rafael Licadi Orozco, prosecutors from the Transnational Crimes Prosecutor’s Office, held a press conference to provide details on Operation “225 Zero Impunity.”

The Secretary General explained that a large-scale operation, led by the Transnational Crimes Prosecutor’s Office, was carried out as part of decisive actions to dismantle criminal structures involved in migrant smuggling. This is one of several actions the Public Ministry has undertaken since late 2024.

“These criminal acts not only endanger the lives and safety of thousands of people but also contribute to the exploitation and suffering of those seeking a better life. As the Public Ministry, we will spare no effort to fight these criminal structures head-on,” stated Mr. Pineda.

“We have successfully dismantled this criminal organization, arresting those responsible and safeguarding the victims. Notably, seven officers from the National Civil Police (PNC), including the head of Substation 23, were apprehended, making a total of nine individuals arrested so far,” he added.

Mr. Pineda expressed regret over the police officers’ arrests, emphasizing, “It’s unfortunate, as security forces are supposed to ensure the safety and protection of Guatemalans, but we see these incidents happening daily.”

He highlighted that between 2024 and early 2025, 82 PNC officers have already been prosecuted for various crimes, according to different prosecutorial divisions within the PM.

“This is significant, as PNC officers are considered auxiliary agents in investigations,” he stressed.

He concluded by stating that migrant smuggling is a grave violation of fundamental human rights, and “we will continue working tirelessly to eradicate it because it involves people exploiting their fellow citizens.”

Criminal Structure’s Modus Operandi

Mr. Jiménez y Jiménez revealed that the Transnational Crimes Prosecutor’s Office, with support from the PNC’s Inspector General, had been tracking this criminal organization since 2024. This group is involved in migrant smuggling and other criminal activities.

He explained that the criminal structure operated across Chiquimula, El Progreso, Izabal, Jalapa, and Jutiapa. Investigations identified several PNC officers coordinating and supporting the criminal network.

“This collaboration was necessary for the crimes committed by the organization, making the officers part of the structure under Article 2 of the Organized Crime Law,” Mr. Jiménez said.

As part of the operation, 14 raids were conducted to search, inspect, seize evidence, and execute 16 arrest warrants. Nine members of the criminal structure were arrested, including alleged leaders Rigoberto and Ana Luisa Mata López, as well as seven PNC officers for dereliction of duty and other crimes.

Background

Mr. Silva López explained that the operation was named “225” after the kilometer where the municipality of Esquipulas, Chiquimula, is located, and “Zero Impunity” because PNC officers stationed at this checkpoint allowed vehicles transporting migrants to pass unchecked.

The investigation began following a report from the PNC’s Inspector General alleging illegal transportation of people of various nationalities through Esquipulas. Migrants were smuggled from Honduras by members of the Mata family, who provided lodging, food, and transportation to Mexico’s border under the protection of complicit PNC officers.

The structure operated as follows:

* Migrants were handed over at the Agua Caliente border by other criminal groups. Drivers offered transportation to migrants spotted walking near the border.

* Migrants were transported in various vehicles to Esquipulas’ terminal and photographed upon arrival.

* PNC officers were paid approximately $20 per migrant to ensure their passage through checkpoints.

* Migrants were housed in hotels and charged $30–$40 for transportation.

Roles Identified Within the Structure

Coordinators:

* Organize the migrants’ transportation.

* Coordinate with PNC officers to ensure the migrants aren’t detained.

* Assign drivers to pick up migrants and transport them to the bus terminal or hotels.

* Provide necessary vehicles for operations.

Operators:

* Drive vehicles transporting migrants.

* Pick up migrants at the Honduran border and transport them to their destinations.

PNC Officers:

* Allow migrants to pass through checkpoints in exchange for payment from the criminal organization, violating Operational Plan 2-2024.

Mr. Licadi Orozco elaborated on the PNC officers’ role, noting that officers at the checkpoint on Kilometer 225 knowingly allowed migrant vehicles to pass.

For instance, on August 1, 2024, officers permitted a vehicle owned by Mrs. Ana Luisa Mata to transport migrants without any inspection.

Results

The operation yielded the following:

* 9 arrests, including criminal leaders and complicit PNC officers.

* Seizure of 2 rifles, 8 handguns, Q81,000 in cash, 9 cell phones, a computer, a vehicle, marijuana, cocaine, bank records, notebooks, and police service logs.

Arrested Individuals:

Coordinators:

1. Rigoberto Mata López, alias “Güero.”
2. Ana Luisa Mata López.

PNC Officers:

1. Jeivi Osvaldo Sarceño Corado, alias “Sarceño,” Substation Chief.
2. Elder Orellana Aceituno.
3. Dilman Orlando Najarro Lemus.
4. Juan Francisco Meléndez Borja Ramos.
5. Vielman Vinicio Nájera Nájera.
6. Óscar David Pedroza Gutiérrez.
7. Jennifer Aracely Sagastume León.