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Complaint filed against Rafael Curruchiche over dereliction of duty in Sputnik V case
🇬🇹 Guatemala /Crime & Justice

Complaint filed against Rafael Curruchiche over dereliction of duty in Sputnik V case

From Prensa Libre · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A complaint was filed against former prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche for alleged dereliction of duty in the Sputnik V vaccine case.
  • The complaint cites a deficient investigation and malicious delays concerning the purchase of over 4 million expired vaccine doses.
  • The case involves a Q600 million purchase made in 2021, with former officials like Alejandro Giammattei also suggested for investigation.

A complaint has been filed against former prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche for alleged dereliction of duty, citing a lack of progress in the investigation of the Sputnik V vaccine case. This case involves the purchase of vaccines valued at approximately Q600 million, with over 4 million doses reportedly expired and stored in a Ministry of Health warehouse.

We have filed a complaint against Mr. Rafael Curruchiche, former prosecutor of the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Impunity (FECI), of the Public Ministry (MP), for the crime of dereliction of duty, this as a result of the poor investigation and malicious delay in the investigations related to the Sputnik vaccine case.

— Deputy José ChicExplaining the basis for the complaint against the former prosecutor.

Deputy José Chic confirmed the complaint, stating it is based on what he described as a flawed investigation and malicious delays during Curruchiche's tenure as head of the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Impunity (FECI). "We have filed a complaint against Mr. Rafael Curruchiche, former prosecutor of the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Impunity (FECI), of the Public Ministry (MP), for the crime of dereliction of duty, this as a result of the poor investigation and malicious delay in the investigations related to the Sputnik vaccine case," the legislator stated.

According to Chic, the state acquired approximately Q600 million worth of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines, covering both components one and two, in 2021. A complaint related to the purchase process has been active since that year. Chic noted that the FECI's investigation had yielded no conclusive results for several years, and he filed a new complaint related to the case in February 2024. He also questioned the decision to keep parts of the case file under seal during the investigation.

The state acquired approximately Q600 million worth of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines, covering both components one and two, in 2021. A complaint related to the purchase process has been active since that year.

— Deputy José ChicDetailing the timeline and value of the Sputnik V vaccine purchase.

Chic expressed hope that authorities will conduct the necessary proceedings to determine responsibilities. He also named former Health Minister María Amelia Flores González, former President Alejandro Giammattei, and former Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo as individuals who should be investigated regarding the vaccine acquisition. Curruchiche was removed from his position at the FECI after the new prosecutor general, Gabriel García Luna, took office.

The FECI's investigation had yielded no conclusive results for several years, and he filed a new complaint related to the case in February 2024.

— Deputy José ChicHighlighting the prolonged and inconclusive nature of the investigation.

Previously, on March 27, while still leading the FECI, Curruchiche had provided details on the Sputnik V investigation, indicating that more officials were under scrutiny. He mentioned that the FECI had analyzed 14 complaints from deputies, the General Accounts Controller's Office, citizens, and an ex officio investigation stemming from media reports. The office also reviewed applicable regulations, contracts with Russia, and emails related to the dose acquisition. Curruchiche noted that former President Alejandro Giammattei was among those mentioned in the investigation.

He also named former Health Minister María Amelia Flores González, former President Alejandro Giammattei, and former Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo as individuals who should be investigated regarding the vaccine acquisition.

— Deputy José ChicSuggesting other officials who should face investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Prensa Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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