The Paraguayan Prosecutor’s Office opens an investigation against former President Horacio Cartes and current Vice President Hugo Velázquez for alleged corruption

(CNN Spanish) — The Paraguayan Attorney General’s Office began an investigation against former President Horacio Cartes and current Vice President Hugo Velásquez, who were sanctioned by the United States in January for participating in alleged acts of corruption, the Public Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The bulletin indicates that the United States reported in July 2022 that Cartes allegedly “obstructed a major international investigation into transnational crime to protect itself” from possible prosecution and political harm.

The investigation announced by the Prosecutor’s Office also includes Juan Carlos Duarte, former legal director of the Yacyretá Binational Entity, who in August was also pointed out along with Velásquez for allegedly having participated in “significant corruption, including bribery of a public official and interference in public processes”.

CNN tries to communicate with Cartes and Velásquez who had not spoken publicly on Thursday about the investigation. In the past, Cartes and Velasquez have denied the US allegations.

The investigation announced by the Prosecutor’s Office also includes Juan Carlos Duarte, former legal director of the Yacyretá Binational Entity, who in August was also pointed out along with Velásquez for allegedly having participated in “significant corruption, including bribery of a public official and interference in public processes”.

CNN is seeking Duarte for his response to the investigation. In August, she rejected the accusations and denied counting on the million dollars that he allegedly paid for those bribes.