- Risk key
- Low
- MODERATELY LOW
- MODERATE
- MODERATELY HIGH
- HIGH
Guatemala Corruption Report
Last updated:
Snapshot
Corruption represents a major obstacle for businesses operating or planning to invest in Guatemala. Businesses must contend with high risks in almost all sectors. The Penal Code (in Spanish) criminalizes passive and active bribery, the bribery of foreign officials, embezzlement, and extortion. The government generally implements the relevant laws effectively. However, government officials engage in corruption with impunity, and recent years have witnessed several corruption cases, the biggest of which ended in the impeachment and imprisonment of former President Otto Pérez Molina. Facilitation payments are prohibited by law. Bribery and gifts are a widespread practice in Guatemala.