In a bold move to tackle the rampant issue of extortion, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo’s newly appointed administration is making it the top security priority.
Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez, a seasoned security expert, outlined the unique challenges Guatemala faces in combating extortion, distinguishing it from neighboring countries.
Gang-Linked Crime Reveals Disturbing Trends
Jiménez highlighted that only approximately 20% of extortion cases are directly linked to gangs, with the majority involving gang “imitators.” These opportunistic criminals exploit the violent reputation of gangs to extract money from individuals.
A significant concern is the connection between extortion and Guatemala’s prisons, where inmates, equipped with contraband phones, intimidate small business owners.
President Arévalo emphasized the urgency of addressing the extortion issue, stating, “The issue of extortion is what we are going to make a particular priority this year,” as conveyed by Jiménez in a recent telephone interview with The Associated Press.
To tackle this multifaceted problem, the government plans to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign against extortion.
Additionally, efforts will be directed at reinforcing the police force and enhancing intelligence capabilities, particularly within the prison system.
Jiménez asserted that a considerable portion of extortion, along with other serious crimes like kidnappings and hired killings, originates from within the prison walls.
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A Glimpse into Guatemala’s Business Owners’ Daily Struggle
The alarming testimony of a young shop owner on the outskirts of Guatemala’s capital sheds light on the daily fear faced by business owners. Recounting a previous extortion incident, she described the harrowing experience when gang members gathered business owners to demand money under the threat of violence.
President Arévalo, who assumed office recently, has also turned his attention to addressing deficiencies and corruption within the prison system.
He believes that these issues significantly contribute to Guatemala’s broader security challenges. The problem extends beyond Guatemala’s borders, with other countries like Ecuador and Mexico grappling with organized criminal groups controlling their prison systems.
Jiménez identified another crucial security priority – cracking down on drug trafficking operations. He highlighted the tendency of these criminal enterprises to expand into various areas, exacerbating security concerns.
Despite Arévalo’s commitment to combating deep-rooted corruption, his efforts may face obstacles due to ongoing investigations into him and his party by the Attorney General’s Office. Allegations of political motivation surround these investigations, with the US government, the Organization of American States, and others expressing concerns.
Attorney General Consuelo Porras, responsible for the investigations, has faced accusations of significant corruption and sanctions from the US government.
Arévalo’s push for reform faces a challenging landscape, as he seeks to address corruption, extortion, and security issues amid political scrutiny.
In a bid to assert control over the situation, Arévalo has requested a meeting with Attorney General Porras, where he plans to seek her resignation, although legal constraints may limit his ability to remove her from office.
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