FIVE MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS OF LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA ARRESTED

Guatemala, October 2, 2013. This afternoon the National Civil Police (PNC), in conjunction with the Special Anti-Impunity Prosecutor's Bureau of the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) and aided by CICIG, arrested five municipal officials of La Antigua Guatemala for their alleged involvement in corrupt acts. These acts also concern Mayor Adolfo Vivar Marroquín, who is currently remanded in custody on the same charges.

In six searches of premises, the authorities arrested the following individuals in the colonial city:

1. César Augusto Sarazúa Marroquín, head of procurement of La Antigua— arrested in the town of San Bartolomé.
2. Carlos Joél Mendoza Perez, municipal director of planning—arrested near the stadium of La Antigua Guatemala.
3. Josué Joel García Resendiz—arrested at the Florencia ranch.
4. Sergio Estuardo Cruz Cortez—arrested while leaving the town hall of La Antigua Guatemala.
5. José Cristóbal Tazen Ortiz—arrested on the Santa Lucía road.

The arrest warrants were issued for the 5 individuals in relation to charges of criminal association, extortion and embezzlement.

Background
The mayor of La Antigua Guatemala, Adolfo Vivar Marroquín, and the other accused allegedly created a structure to divert city funds using shell companies they had created. Some of these companies were construction companies which were awarded over-priced projects. An alternative method used to take the town's funds involved paying its alleged employees and paying for services that were never rendered.