World news story

UK sanctions Guatemalan Congressman under new global anti-corruption regime

The UK Government designated today Guatemalan Congressman Felipe Alejos Lorenzana due to his involvement in significant corruption.

British Embassy statement

In his official capacity, Felipe Alejos Lorenzana served as an intermediary for corrupt officials in a largescale corruption scandal involving Guatemala’s Tax Administration. His conduct undermined democracy, the rule of law and good governance in Guatemala. Sanctions include assets freeze and travel ban.

This designation is made under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021, launched today and put in place to prevent and combat serious corruption. The Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 is secondary legislation laid under the powers of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.

The Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime allows the UK to impose sanctions on those involved in serious corruption around the world. As set out in the Regulations, serious corruption includes bribery and misappropriation. Felipe Alejos Lorenzana will be prevented from entering the UK, and UK nationals and companies, wherever they are in the world, will be prevented from dealing with funds or economic resources in relation to him.

Today’s actions support UK public security interests and sends out a strong political message that the UK considers this conduct unacceptable. The Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime targets individuals, not countries. The UK currently has no other sanctions targeting Guatemalan nationals.

These measures are being taken partly in tandem with the US, which is today also announcing further corruption sanctions. Acting together sends the clearest possible signal that corruption comes with a heavy price.

We continue to support initiatives that align with our own values of democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law. We will continue working with Guatemala to strengthen our bilateral economic relationship, and dealing with other top priority issues, such as tackling climate change and keep promoting good governance.

Published 26 April 2021