The United States is designating Gendri Rocael Reyes Mazariegos (“Reyes”), former Minister of the Interior, Alberto Pimentel Mata (“Pimentel”), former Minister of Energy and Mines (MEM), and Oscar Rafael Perez Ramirez (“Perez”), Vice Minister of Sustainable Development under the MEM, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States, due to their involvement in significant corruption.
Reyes, Pimentel, and Perez accepted bribes in exchange for their performance of their public functions during their tenures. Their corrupt actions undermined rule of law and government transparency in Guatemala.
The United States stands with Guatemalans who work to promote accountability for corrupt actors. We also reaffirm our commitment to counter corruption globally, which harms the public interest, weakens the rule of law and democratic institutions, hampers economic prosperity, and curtails governments’ ability to respond effectively to their people’s needs.
Corruption undermines democracy and public trust in institutions. The United States remains committed to use all available tools to promote accountability for those who undermine democracy in Guatemala, including those who attempt to undermine the August 20 elections.
These public designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, as carried forward by the Continuing Appropriations Act. The Department is also designating Reyes’ adult daughter Melanny Elizabeth Reyes Argueta, Reyes’ minor children, Pimentel’s spouse Ana Isabel Carrillo Fabian De Pimentel, Pimentel’s minor children, and Perez’s spouse Elbia Carolina Cruz Muralles as generally ineligible for entry into the United States.
Official news published at https://www.state.gov/designation-of-three-guatemalan-public-officials-for-involvement-in-significant-corruption/
