State Dept. sanctions dozens of Central American officials and former presidents over corruption 

The State Dept. on Wednesday announced it was imposing sanctions on dozens of government officials in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua over corruption allegations. 

The individuals sanctioned “have knowingly engaged in actions that undermine democratic processes or institutions, significant corruption or obstruction of investigations,” the State Dept. said in a report. 

The list of those sanctioned includes former presidents, high-ranking government officials, and heads of banks. 

Among the most prominent individuals sanctioned in former El Salvador President Mauricio Funes. Earlier this month, Funes, who held office from 2009 to 2014, was sentenced in absentia to six years in prison for tax evasion. In May, Funes was also sanctioned to eight years in prison for negotiating with gangs and criminal groups during his presidency. 

Similarly, former President Salvador Sanchez Ceren was also sanctioned for his involvement in money laundering and embezzlement of public funds while he was vice president. 

The two former presidents fled El Salvador and became citizens of Nicaragua, which does not allow for the extradition of its citizens. 

"Corruption, a root cause of irregular migration, harms our national security," said Brian Nichols, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, as he presented the report.

In Guatemala, the State Dept. sanctioned Fredy Orellana, a judge who ordered the suspension of presidential candidate Bernardo Arevalo, who is set to participate in the run-off elections on August 20.

Other figures include other judges who are being accused of persecuting journalists. 

The list also includes former Honduran President Orlando Hernandez, who is being changed by the U.S. for drug trafficking.

Federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York accused Hernandez of conspiracy to import illegal substances, including manufacturing and importing cocaine. Hernandez was also charged with two counts of using or carrying weapons. 

In Nicaragua, the sanctions were handed to all of the country’s parliamentary leaders and several judges, accusing them of corruption and money laundering.