Rafael Curruchiche, head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity (FECI), said during an interview with Free press That in February 2025 a complaint was received against the President of the Republic, Bernardo Arévalo; His brother, Martín Arévalo, director of the United Nations Office for Projects (UNOPS), and four other government officials, for allegedly delivered the control of the ports to Chinese companies.
The prosecutor commented that the events could have been committed between September and December 2023, after Arévalo was elected as president of the Republic.
He added that the crimes that would have committed are abuse of authority, passive bribery and breach of duties.
The Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency said that the accusations of the FECI are spurious and that the raids are carried out weeks that the Government and the United States sign a letter of understanding for the improvement and expansion in the Port Company Quetzal (EPQ).
What goal did the proceedings had and what could they find?
The objective of these proceedings is to establish the extremes and facts that have been narrated in a complaint that was assigned to the FECI last February.
The three places that were inspected this Thursday, May 8 were verified. Apparently, two belong to the Military Security Institute and one to the Quetzal port.
What does the complaint say against the president?
What is narrated in the complaint is that, in the month of December or September of approximately 2023, when it was already an official that Bernardo Arévalo was the President of the Republic, apparently a negotiation was given through his brother, Martín Arévalo, derived from a trip he made to Costa Rica. At that meeting, which was coordinated by the president’s brother, it would have been held with the Chinese ambassador, and according to the facts described in the complaint, Guatemala’s ports and airports would have been granted to the Ports and Airports to the Chinese.
Those ends are the ones we are verifying. Obviously, we are very respectful of due process and the presumption of innocence. At this time there is no formal investigation against the president, because we respect the right of prejudice he enjoys.
We are only obtaining indications that can support the investigation, either to rule out or continue with it. Basically, those are the proceedings: obtain indications and, in some way, establish the veracity of the facts denounced at the time.
Who filed the complaint? What indications did you find?
The person who filed the complaint cannot be revealed at this time, but it is someone who was present at those meetings, since very specific facts are indicated. That is what we are verifying. In the complaint, other officials of the current government are also mentioned. As I repeat, based on the presumption of innocence and the right of prejudice that assists these people, at the time the corresponding decision will be made.
Would those lands be cordoned off as evidence? Could people continue to operate on these land or make buildings?
No. No property has been closed; It is only an ocular inspection.
We have received the support and collaboration of the Quetzal port authorities, which at all times have contributed to the investigation.
The proceedings have been a success, because they have allowed us to corroborate some information that we already had, such as land plans that even reach the sea. This is a very strategic place.
But, as I repeat and clarify, we are very respectful of due process, the presumption of innocence and the prejudice enjoyed by the president, as well as other people who could also be involved in the investigation.
You mentioned that Chinese companies or research showed that they could take control of the ports. Could springs be built on those lands to land containers?
It’s right. As the land has direct access to the sea, we came to information that we are corroborating about some facts that I cannot indicate now, but that will be known later as a result of the investigation. Some Chinese companies could have received part of those land to operate. Those are the facts we are trying to determine.
What documents could obtain during the proceedings?
We already have all the contracts that provided us in the Quetzal port, as well as the Military Piscussive Institute, and that is why we need to compare that information.
What are the names of Chinese companies?
At the moment they cannot be revealed.
How many officials are those mentioned in the complaint?
Approximately three or four more officials of the current government.
Would the Prosecutor’s Office be submitting in any future the requests for withdrawal of immunity?
Correct, it is.