Nicaragua: Government seizure of commercial land and wildlife export discrepancies

The administration of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo is facing scrutiny over two distinct issues involving economic resources and legal security in Nicaragua.

Reports indicate that the government has immobilized high-value commercial land in Managua near the Juan Pablo Genie track. This area includes sites near the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) and Plaza Ágora. The measures, reportedly carried out by the Attorney General’s Office with police support, affect properties previously managed by Desarrollos Ventura. This follows recent interventions in companies linked to Joaquín Cuadra Lacayo, such as the occupation of CENSA facilities and the intervention of the company Rocedes.

Separately, discrepancies have emerged regarding the export of pink conch (Strombus gigas). While the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Marena) reported wildlife export revenues of approximately 3.6 million dollars between April and May 2026, official data suggests the species is being harvested beyond international limits. Export volumes for 2023 and 2024 reportedly exceeded the quotas communicated to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). While Inpesca noted a 30 percent increase in revenue, official exchange rates suggest a significant gap between reported earnings and actual value.