In recent times, the nation has been rocked by a series of corruption scandals, with one particularly notable case involving Gabriel Estuardo Mendoza Muñoz, the brother of renowned activist Bertha Michelle Mendoza. He has been implicated in allegedly overcharging a staggering Q25 million for machinery procured by the Ministry of Development in 2016.
Reports from “El Periódico” suggest that Gabriel Mendoza, who held the position of vice minister of administration and finance at MIDES, is accused of involving his family, including Bertha Michelle Mendoza, in laundering funds obtained through this questionable transaction.
Gabriel Mendoza Muñoz’s brief term at MIDES, which lasted from January 1, 2015, to October 1, 2015, uncovered significant corruption within the ministry, as highlighted by an audit conducted by the Comptroller General’s Office in 2015.
“El Peladero,” a reputable media outlet, extensively covered the corruption allegations against Bertha Michelle Mendoza’s brother. The audit revealed suspicious purchases, contracts signed after service delivery, and inadequate expense records. It was found that contracts were inked without proper review, with no requirement for performance bonds. The Comptroller General’s Office pointed out the failure of Minister Edgar Rodriguez and Vice Minister Gabriel Mendoza to provide evidence countering the findings, emphasizing the necessity of a competitive 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 audit report by the Comptroller General of Accounts.
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 emphasizes the urgent need for robust anti-corruption measures in the country.