SOUTH AMERICA

Auditor General investigates Quetzal contracts

10 years ago

Guatemala’s Auditor General, Carlos Mencos, has filed a criminal complaint in respect of 19 contracts that are in force in the Port of Quetzal (EPQ) on the grounds that they transfer public powers to the private sector.

The criminal complaints have been filed at the Public Ministry (MP), where a group of lawyers and auditors are analysing suspicious findings linked to 100 contracts, some of which relate to the port.

“The eventual aim of these complaints is to have the contracts annulled and for criminal prosecutions to be undertaken if any officials are found to be responsible, with the annulment being sought through the Attorney General’s Office (PGN),” said Mr Mencos.

The anomalies found in the contracts are linked to major changes to their format; to the transfer between leases; and to the avoidance of any inclusion of public service or private sector competition.