Guatemala authorities arrest seven for alleged money laundering

Guatemalan investigators have apprehended seven individuals in connection with an alleged money laundering scheme. The arrests follow a report from the Special Verification Superintendency of Banks (IVE) regarding suspicious financial transactions lacking legal or economic justification.

Three suspects were detained for receiving significant sums in their bank accounts, totaling over 2.2 million quetzales (approximately $297,000 USD). Other detainees were identified for conducting various financial transactions involving cash, credit notes, and electronic transfers. Investigators noted that many of these funds were primarily transferred to China, Hong Kong, Panama, and Colombia.

Additionally, one individual was arrested for allegedly using her bank account to process extortion proceeds. Authorities reported receiving approximately 635,600 quetzales (about $90,000 USD) in deposits between December 2025 and February 2026, many of which were withdrawn shortly after being deposited in cash.