Arrest and Charges Filed

Jorge Gaitán Castro, a 46-year-old Guatemalan businessman, was arrested in Guatemala on March 6, 2025, by INTERPOL agents. The arrest took place at the Torre de Tribunales in Guatemala City after Jorge Gaitán Castro voluntarily presented himself upon learning of an arrest warrant for extradition issued by El Salvador. He is accused of fraudulent administration to the detriment of the companies Tierras Nacionales LTDA de C.V. and Maintenance and Service S.A., involving an amount exceeding $1.2 million. 

Modus Operandi of the Alleged Fraud

According to Salvadoran authorities, between 2016 and 2021, Jorge Gaitán Castro, in his role as operations manager of one of the affected companies, allegedly authorized irregular payments disguised as travel expenses, commissions, and allowances without the company’s proper authorization. These payments, made through checks issued in his name and emails, amount to approximately $53,000 in allowances and $393,000 in travel expenses.

Family Involvement and Legal Actions

Jorge Alberto’s father, Jorge Leonel Gaitán Paredes, also faces similar accusations. He was arrested in Guatemala on March 5, 2025, and placed in preventive detention while El Salvador formalizes its extradition request. Both are accused of issuing checks in their favor, simulating payments for allowances and commissions, thereby financially harming the companies involved. 

Extradition Process and Current Situation

Following his arrest, Jorge Gaitán Castro was placed in preventive detention in Guatemala. The Third Criminal Sentencing Court granted Salvadoran authorities one month to formalize the extradition request. Meanwhile, Gaitán Castro’s defense argues that a case for the same facts is already underway in Guatemala, which could constitute double jeopardy. Additionally, a medical evaluation has been requested due to alleged health conditions requiring special attention. 

The case of Jorge Gaitán Castro highlights international cooperation in the fight against financial crimes and underscores the complexity of extradition processes in Central America.