Publicado el 21 Octubre 2025
PM Acted Steadfast Against Corruption in the Ministry of the Interior and Penitentiary System
The Public Ministry (PM) held a press conference to report on the progress of the investigation into the “Corruption in the Penitentiary System” case, which involved serious corruption within the Ministry of the Interior and the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System (DGSP).
The event was presided over by Mrs. María Consuelo Porras Argueta, Attorney General and Chief of the PM, who was accompanied by Mr. Angel Arnoldo Pineda Ávila, Secretary General; Mr. Erick Schaeffer Cabrera, Deputy Secretary General; and Mr. Dimas Jiménez, Metropolitan Regional Prosecutor.
Also participating were section prosecutors: Mrs. Marylin Solange Castillo (Administrative Crimes), Mr. Edwin Marroquín (Crimes Against Life and Integrity), Mrs. Emma Flores (Extortion), Mr. Gerson Recinos (Metropolitan District), and Mr. Klayber Sical (Organized Crime).
Key Statements:
- Attorney General Porras Argueta emphasized the unprecedented crisis Guatemala faced due to corruption and institutional collapse within the Ministry of the Interior and DGSP. She stated this was not mere negligence but a deeply entrenched corrupt structure inside the Executive.
- The PM had long warned about criminal networks operating within state institutions. It was no longer a matter of isolated cases but a collapsed administration lacking legitimacy.
- The acceptance of the Minister of the Interior’s resignation was called incoherent; she affirmed that all responsible parties should have been immediately dismissed.
- The PM reaffirmed its role as an independent institution committed to justice, legality, and zero tolerance for impunity.
Investigation and Operations:
- Dimas Jiménez reported that multi-specialized teams from several PM divisions had worked to dismantle criminal structures embedded in the Executive branch.
- Investigations included ongoing operations targeting corrupt officials responsible for the massive escape of 20 high-risk inmates from Fraijanes II Prison.
- Arrest orders were requested for former officials, including Ludin Astolfo Godínez (ex-director DGSP) and others, for dereliction of duty, aiding escape, and usurpation of functions.
- Marylin Solange Castillo confirmed there were no signs of forced entry during the escape, suggesting internal complicity.
- Emma Flores highlighted the severity of the crimes committed by the escaped prisoners and the inter-agency efforts to capture them.
The Public Ministry of Guatemala acted firmly and independently to hold all those involved in corruption and institutional decay accountable.
Guatemala City, October 17, 2025