In recent years, various corruption scandals have come to light, shaking the country. One such case involves Gabriel Estuardo Mendoza Muñoz, the brother of well-known activist Bertha Michelle Mendoza, who has been accused of overcharging a staggering Q25 million for machinery purchased for the Ministry of Development in 2016.
As reported by the newspaper “El Periódico,” Gabriel Mendoza, who was serving as the vice administrative and financial minister of MIDES at the time, allegedly involved his own family, including Bertha Michelle Mendoza, in laundering the funds obtained through this questionable transaction.
Gabriel Mendoza Muñoz’s brief tenure at MIDES, lasting from January 1, 2015, to October 1, 2015, just nine months in office, revealed significant corruption within the ministry. An audit by the Comptroller General’s Office highlighted numerous irregularities during Mendoza Muñoz’s management in 2015.
“El Peladero,” a reputable media source, has extensively covered the corruption allegations against Bertha Michelle Mendoza’s brother. The audit uncovered suspicious purchases, contracts signed post-service delivery, and inadequate expense records. It was found that contracts were signed without proper review and performance bonds were not required. The Comptroller General’s Office pointed out the failure of Minister Edgar Rodriguez and Vice Minister Gabriel Mendoza to provide evidence to refute the findings, emphasizing the necessity of a bidding process for the “Mi Comedor Seguro” program.
Gabriel Mendoza Muñoz has been criminally reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for mishandling funds and fined Q757,555.50 for incompetence in public duty and irregular fund management. Joining MIDES as vice minister in January 2015, during the end of the Patriot Party government, Mendoza earned the nickname “El Transita” for allegedly amassing wealth through MIDES-related businesses. Allegations against him became public during Jimmy Morales’ government following the Comptroller General of Accounts’ audit report.
Ironically, in 2019 and 2020, Mendoza was a State supplier for Q451,688.17 and a legal advisor for the minister’s office, with contracts totaling Q70,000, Q60,000, and Q50,000. This scandal has sparked public outrage and underscores the urgent need for robust anti-corruption measures in the country.