Guatemala crime and police corruption trends

In 2026, Guatemala reported a significant rise in criminal enforcement and weapon seizures. Through August, the Ministry of the Interior recorded 33,505 arrests, a 14.49% increase from the previous year, alongside a nearly 35% rise in firearm confiscations. The National Civil Police (PNC) targeted gang-related activities, specifically involving members of Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18, and reported over 1,000 arrests linked to extortion.

By October, the focus shifted toward internal corruption within the security forces. Authorities launched investigations into allegations that PNC members were stealing and illegally selling military-grade ammunition to gangs such as Barrio 18, Mara Salvatrucha, and Los Caradura. Following ten raids, seven police agents were detained on charges including illegal sale of weapons and embezzlement. Interior Minister Marco Villeda stated that internal evaluations would continue to address corruption, amid broader concerns that between 800,000 and 900,000 illegal weapons may be circulating in the country.

Recent legal developments have further clarified the scope of the ammunition scandal. A judge linked seven individuals—four police officers and three civilians—to a criminal process involving the theft and sale of exclusive institutional ammunition, which was reportedly being offered on social media. The Prosecutor's Office Against Organized Crime initiated the investigation following these social media reports. While a judge ordered preventive detention for four of the suspects, two others were granted substitute measures with financial bail. Separately, the PNC reported the arrest of four men in various departments for the illegal possession of undocumented firearms.