Former Paraguayan President Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara has been indicted by the United States for his involvement in significant corruption. Former President Cartes obstructed a major international investigation into transnational crime to protect himself and his criminal associates from potential prosecution and political damage. These actions undermined the stability of Paraguayan democratic institutions by contributing to public perceptions of corruption and impunity within the office of the Paraguayan president. In addition, these actions enabled and perpetuated Cartes’ recently documented involvement with foreign terrorist organizations and other US-designated entities, which undermines the security of the United States against transnational crime and terrorism and threatens regional stability.
This public designation was made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State’s Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2022. The Department also designates Cartes’ adult children, Juan Pablo Cartes Montaña, Sofia Cartes Montaña, and María Sol Cartes Montaña.
These designations reaffirm the United States’ commitment to fighting corruption, which harms the public interest, hinders the economic prosperity of countries, and limits the ability of governments to effectively respond to the needs of their citizens. The United States continues to stand with all Paraguayans in support of democracy and the rule of law, and will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain.