Special interest groups have co-opted Guatemala’s justice system and blocked the efforts of those trying to clean things up. InSight Crime investigates the backroom players who are pulling the strings.
Investigation Chapters
Justice and the Creation of a Mafia State in Guatemala
As Guatemala’s Congress gears up to select new Supreme Court Justices and appellate court judges, InSight Crime is investigating how organized crime influences the selection process. This story details the interests of one particular political bloc vying for control over the courts and what’s at stake: millions of dollars in public money, much of which…
The ‘Tennis Shoe King’ Who Became Guatemala’s Gentleman Lobbyist
As Guatemala gears up to select new Supreme Court Justices and appellate court judges, InSight Crime is investigating how organized crime influences the selection process. This story explores the role of Roberto Lopez Villatoro, a.k.a. “The Tennis Shoe King,” a businessman and lawyer who has become one of the most influential figures in these selection…
The War of Paz y Paz: The Revolution
Since taking over in 2010, Guatemala’s Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz has waged a revolution from inside one of the country’s most troubled institutions. She has submitted her name for another four-year term that would begin in May, but her enemies are strong and want to return to the status quo. The…
The War of Paz y Paz: The Victims
Since taking over in 2010, Guatemala’s Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz has waged a revolutionary war from inside one of the country’s most troubled institutions. She has submitted her name for another four-year term that would begin in May, but her enemies are strong and want to return to the status quo.…
The War of Paz y Paz: Enemy of the State
Since taking over in 2010, Guatemala’s Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz has waged a revolution from inside one of the country’s most troubled institutions. She has submitted her name for another four-year term that would begin in May, but her enemies are strong and want to return to the status quo. The third of…
The War of Paz y Paz: Portrait of a Guatemalan Political Broker
Gustavo Herrera — the would be businessman and political broker in the process to determine Guatemala’s next attorney general — might have many blotches on his record, but he has managed to stay out of jail and has retained his political connections and influence.
