Is Maria Consuelo Porras Argueta de Porres on a sanctions list?

There are reasonable grounds to suspect that María Consuelo Porras Argueta de Porres (“Porras”) is an involved person within the meaning of the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 on the basis of the following grounds: (1) Porras is or has been involved in serious corruption by being responsible for or engaging in serious corruption by way of receiving a bribe. As Attorney General and Head of the Public Ministry (Ministerio Público, MP) of Guatemala, a foreign public official performing a judicial or executive function, Porras received an advantage to induce her to improperly perform a public function. That advantage was President Giammattei’s decision to reappoint her to the role. Thereafter, she continued to improperly discharge her functions by intentionally undermining corruption investigations into the political elite that nominated her. In particular, she undermined investigations into President Giammattei’s election and tenure as President. (2) Porras is or has been involved in serious corruption by being responsible for the investigation or prosecution of serious corruption and intentionally failing to fulfil that responsibility. As Attorney General and Head of the MP of Guatemala, a foreign public official performing a judicial or executive function, Porras received an advantage to induce her to perform a public function improperly, namely her reappointment to the role. Thereafter, she continued to improperly perform her function by intentionally undermining corruption investigations into the political elite that nominated her. In particular, she undermined the operational independence of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity (Fiscalía Especial contra la Impunidad), dismissing prosecutors therefrom and appointing compliant replacements. (3) Porras is or has been involved in serious corruption by using threats or intimidation to interfere in, or otherwise interfering in, a law enforcement or judicial process in connection with serious corruption. As Attorney General and Head of the MP of Guatemala, a foreign public official performing a judicial or executive function, Porras received an advantage to induce her to perform a public function improperly, namely her reappointment to the role. Thereafter, she continued to improperly perform her function by intentionally undermining corruption investigations into the political elite that nominated her. In particular, she removed from office and pursued unfounded legal challenges against notable anti-corruption prosecutors who had sought to tackle serious corruption in Guatemala. — The Director Disqualification Sanction was imposed on 09/04/2025.

What does inclusion on UK-HMT mean?

Inclusion on the UK Sanctions List, published by the FCDO and enforced by OFSI, means UK persons are required to freeze the listed party's assets and refrain from making funds or economic resources available, under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.

This explainer is informational only, is not legal advice, and does not describe the full scope of any restriction. Always verify against the primary source and consult qualified counsel.

Frequently asked

Is Maria Consuelo Porras Argueta de Porres on a sanctions list?

Yes — indexed by Kleerance as appearing on the UK Sanctions List published by UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Always confirm against the primary source before acting.

How current is this record?

Kleerance re-checks the source every six hours. This page reflects the most recent ingested version of the list. The publishing authority's listing date on record is 4/2/2025.

Where can I verify this record?

Directly at the publishing authority: https://sanctionslist.fcdo.gov.uk/docs/UK-Sanctions-List.xml.