Alfonso Carrillo, Former Minister Under Gustavo Petro and Ally of Iván Velásquez
The name Alfonso Carrillo resonates strongly in Guatemala’s legal and political circles, especially after revelations of his close relationship with former CICIG chief and former Minister of Defense of Colombia, Iván Velásquez.
This connection, confirmed by Ricardo Díaz, former Vice Minister of Defense of Colombia, places Carrillo at the center of controversy, identifying him as a key player in judicial manipulation and the orchestration of a smear campaign against Guatemala’s Attorney General, María Consuelo Porras.
Who is Alfonso Carrillo?
Alfonso Carrillo is a Guatemalan lawyer whose influence in the country’s legal and political spheres has been the subject of numerous investigations and publications by República, a Guatemalan media outlet. Among the most serious allegations against him are:
- Manipulation of Nomination Commissions – Carrillo has been accused of exerting pressure in the selection of judges and magistrates, allowing him to control judicial decisions in his favor.
- Judicial manipulation – Investigative reports suggest that Carrillo has used his influence to fast-track cases in the Guatemalan judicial system, benefiting his clients and associates.
- Taking control of the family law firm – Carrillo allegedly excluded his sister from managing the Carrillo & Asociados law firm, taking full control of the company.
- Involvement in controversial cases – Carrillo has been linked to high-profile legal cases, including the Bitkov family case, whose criminal prosecution has been widely criticized by various sectors of society.
His Partnership with Iván Velásquez
The relationship between Alfonso Carrillo and Iván Velásquez, former head of CICIG, has raised suspicions due to the creation of the Justicia y Democracia foundation in Colombia, where both appear as partners. This partnership confirms their close ties, allegedly allowing Carrillo to expedite cases within the Guatemalan judicial system.
Smear Campaign Against the Attorney General
Guatemala’s Attorney General, María Consuelo Porras, has been the target of an intense smear campaign, allegedly orchestrated by Carrillo & Asociados and former U.S. President Joe Biden to cover up the pedophilia cases involving former U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala, Patrick Ventrell.
Recently, a “Whistleblower” report revealed that Alfonso Carrillo allegedly received $1 million from Jorge Gaitán Castro, a figure linked to the U.S. investment fund, Peppertree Capital Management, INC. This fund, which specializes in investments in telecommunications towers, is currently engaged in arbitration proceedings in the U.S. to acquire the family-owned company Continental Towers. Shortly after this revelation, Gaitán Castro was murdered.
According to the leaked information, Alfonso Carrillo allegedly received the money to assist Gaitán Castro in taking control of the company.
It is no secret that Carrillo has long aspired to become Guatemala’s Attorney General, but Porras’ firm stance and work have blocked his ambitions, despite the large sums of money that Peppertree Capital’s owners, through their infiltrator in Continental Towers, Gaitán Castro, allegedly paid Carrillo.
Judicial Corruption and the Need for Transparency
The Alfonso Carrillo case highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability within Guatemala’s judicial system. The influence of lawyers like Carrillo, along with their connections to political and judicial figures, raises serious concerns about the independence and impartiality of justice in the country.