The Prosecutor’s Office against Transnational Crimes coordinated the arrest of 14 people, including four delegates of the Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM), during the operation “Gota a Gota, Migration Phase,” the Public Ministry (MP) and the National Civil Police (PNC) reported this Tuesday, May 5.
In addition, three people were summoned for a first statement, reported the Public Ministry (MP).
The detainees are América T., Carlos E., Kevin O., Azucena E., Eyner E., Rosy C., Jhon C., Diego B. and Adelaida L., accused of laundering money or other assets; as well as Heliodoro C., accused of ideological falsehood.
The IGM delegates Rony M., Vilma O. and Berliuos D., accused of concealing themselves, and César O., for usurpation of functions, were also captured.
During the proceedings, the authorities seized 16 cell phones, two checkbooks of proof of entry into the national territory of the IGM, a firearm, three laptop computers, a hard drive, a DVR, two notebooks with notes, 155 records of loan collections, an Italian passport, a courier guide and two immigration stamps. In addition, a property was closed.
criminal structure
According to investigations, the network had been operating since 2019 and maintained links with structures in Colombia, Mexico and the United States, dedicated to facilitating the illegal entry and stay of foreigners in Guatemala.
The MP reported that the members coordinated the entry of people—mainly Colombians—through the La Aurora International Airport, where they were later received by leaders of the structure.
These people managed accommodation and ensured their irregular stay in the country.
The investigations established that the network had support from IGM employees, who made illegal charges to allow the entry or stay of foreigners.
Document handling
One of the main mechanisms to evade immigration controls was the manipulation of passports. The documents were sent to border posts such as El Carmen, in San Marcos, or other points outside official control, where false stamps were placed on them.
In addition, false data was entered into the IGM system to simulate legal migration movements.
With these actions, foreigners maintained an apparently regular immigration status while carrying out illicit activities, including money laundering through multiple financial transactions.
Subsequently, the funds were distributed within the organization or sent abroad in small remittances, with the aim of evading controls.
Criminal modalities
Authorities identified that the structure also operated the illegal loan system known as “gota a gota,” as well as scams related to parcels.
The investigation originated from a complaint filed by the Special Verification Office of the Superintendency of Banks, which made it possible to identify those involved.
Position
The Guatemalan Migration Institute reported, in a statement, that it will collaborate with the authorities after the raids and arrests carried out at the El Carmen immigration post.
He added that he will meet the requirements of the competent authorities and reiterated his commitment to legality, transparency and accountability.
Likewise, he indicated that the immigration registry in that position continues to operate normally, both in income and expenses.
Extension
They capture “Gota a Gota” lenders accused of money laundering, usurpation and ideological falsehood
Through raids, 15 people and two notifications of new judicial processes were captured pic.twitter.com/HDeInS6mGv
— PNC of Guatemala (@PNCdeGuatemala) May 5, 2026
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