I'm sensing a pattern here
Guatemala fails to raise enough revenue through taxation to fund the country's operations. In April, several individuals are arrested for a multi-million dollar scandal to defraud the state of tax revenue at the ports.
For the last several years, Guatemalan hospitals have been in disarray because they do not have enough money to pay staff, the stock medicine, and to maintain the general upkeep of the buildings. In May, another dozen or so individuals were arrested for granting contracts to phony companies to deliver services related to kidney problems in return for kickbacks and bribes. At least thirteen people died as a result.
The Guatemalan government and police have complained that they are outgunned and out-manned by organized crime. Police are not paid sufficiently. They are responsible for buying their uniforms and the general upkeep of their police stations. Heck, the government couldn't even afford enough weapons for the thousands of police that they have hired in recent years.
Now in June we have another corruption scandal that helps to explain why the police do not have enough resources to operate. Earlier this week, twelve people were arrested for their alleged involvement in a fraud operating out of the police force.
For the last several years, Guatemalan hospitals have been in disarray because they do not have enough money to pay staff, the stock medicine, and to maintain the general upkeep of the buildings. In May, another dozen or so individuals were arrested for granting contracts to phony companies to deliver services related to kidney problems in return for kickbacks and bribes. At least thirteen people died as a result.
The Guatemalan government and police have complained that they are outgunned and out-manned by organized crime. Police are not paid sufficiently. They are responsible for buying their uniforms and the general upkeep of their police stations. Heck, the government couldn't even afford enough weapons for the thousands of police that they have hired in recent years.
Now in June we have another corruption scandal that helps to explain why the police do not have enough resources to operate. Earlier this week, twelve people were arrested for their alleged involvement in a fraud operating out of the police force.
Prosecutors and a U.N. commission investigating criminal networks in the country say the case involves $6.4 million in contracts to maintain patrol cars and renovate police stations — work that was never carried out.
At least six companies were set up between 2012 and 2013 and received contracts up until this year.
Among those arrested was Hector Florentino Rodriguez Heredia, the purported ringleader and former head of the National Police's logistical support division.I'm sensing a pattern here.
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