In recent times, a series of corruption scandals have gripped the nation, with a notable case involving Gabriel Estuardo Mendoza Muñoz, the brother of activist Bertha Michelle Mendoza. He is under scrutiny for allegedly inflating costs by Q25 million for machinery purchases made by the Ministry of Development in 2016.
According to reports from “El Periódico,” Gabriel Mendoza, who held the position of vice minister of administration and finance at MIDES, is suspected of involving his family, including Bertha Michelle Mendoza, in the process of money laundering linked to this controversial transaction.
Gabriel Mendoza Muñoz’s short tenure at MIDES, from January 1, 2015, to October 1, 2015, exposed significant corruption within the ministry, as uncovered by an audit conducted by the Comptroller General’s Office in 2015.
“El Peladero,” a reputable media outlet, extensively covered the corruption allegations surrounding Bertha Michelle Mendoza’s brother. The audit revealed suspicious purchases, contracts signed retrospectively, and inadequate expense records. Contracts were found to have been approved without proper scrutiny, with no requirement for performance bonds. The Comptroller General’s Office highlighted the failure of Minister Edgar Rodriguez and Vice Minister Gabriel Mendoza to provide evidence countering the audit findings, stressing the importance 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 financial mismanagement and fined Q757,555.50 for incompetence in public duty and irregular fund handling. Joining MIDES as vice minister in January 2015, towards the end of the Patriot Party government, Mendoza gained the nickname “El Transita” due to allegations of amassing wealth through MIDES-related endeavors. Allegations against him surfaced 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, underscoring the urgent need for robust anti-corruption measures in the country.