The Ministry of the Interior did not provide a position after being questioned by the award of a contract for Q84 million in favor of the world of weaponsCorporation, an entity that has as a legal representatives relatives of the Minister of Culture, Liwy Grazioso Sierra.
The bidding event, identified with the number 25430939, was published on April 21 on the Guatecompras Electronic Portal. He received offers for 30 minutes on May 5.
Three companies presented offers to cover the need for the purchase of the Ministry of the Interior: Warehouse El Bisonte, Sociedad Anónima; Technology, Latin imports, corporation; and world of weapons, corporation.
The award was granted to the latter on June 6. The company has three legal representatives: Eddy Arnoldo Gómez Gálvez and the brothers Oscar Francisco and Renzo Ricardo Grazioso Sierra, the last brothers of the Grazious Minister.
“That could be an extended conflict of interest because the Board of Board had to have reviewed in Guatecompras what is the relationship with the State and contracts,” said Marvin Flores, an independent analyst in public administration and transparency.
Consultations were sent to the Social Communication Department of the Ministry of the Interior, as well as the holder of that portfolio, Francisco Jiménez, but at the close of this note no response was obtained.
A similar situation occurred with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, which was also consulted for the possible conflict of interest, but did not provide any statement.
Nonconformities
One of the participating companies expressed their disagreement, arguing that there were no clear technical criteria to have considered one of the three companies.
“The weapons they wish to acquire are common sale in the Guatemalan market for different commercial entities, which could offer them with better technical specifications and guarantees for agents of the National Civil Police. Therefore, the specific modality with a single supplier does not apply in this acquisition,” said Almancén El Bisonte, Corporation.
The document also states that the weapons described in the contest are becoming obsolete in the market, being practically discontinued for police use in the world.
“They justify that the end of the acquisition is training. The National Civil Police and the Subdirectorate of Studies and Doctrine use at least three models and gun brands, so it does not apply the specific modality with a single supplier, since the representatives vary by brand in Guatemala. A nine mm
Findings
The tender was subject to a concurrent audit by the Comptroller General of Accounts (CGC), which detected aspects of the event that merit “administrative actions”, according to documents sent to the Ministry of the Interior.
The inspection determined that the Board described the proposals under the figure of “single supplier”, considering that only weapons world offered the requested model.
Given this, the CGC sent letters to the Minister of the Interior requesting administrative measures, although it is unknown what could be.
For flowers, the company’s history and doubts about the award justify its possible cancellation. “The Ministry of the Interior would have to take, even if it is not obliged, the recommendations of the CGC and cancel the process.”
He added that, if a corrective measure was not taken, a complaint would be necessary to investigate whether there was a possible crime during the award.
“With all the background that exists of the company, awarding it is damage to the State. The contracting law indicates that it must be ensured by the interests of the State. I think a trade must be issued to the Public Ministry, because this contract harms it,” he concluded.
According to Guatecompras records, weapons world has obtained contracts for Q150 million 325 thousand 810.42 from 2004 to 2025.