© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Horacio Cartes, former president of Paraguay and pre-candidate for the presidency of the Nationwide Republican Affiliation (ANR), talks with the media after votin in his occasion’s main election at a ballot station in Asuncion, Paraguay, December
(Reuters) – The U.S. Treasury’s Workplace of International Property Management on Thursday sanctioned Paraguay’s former President Horacio Cartes and present Vice President Hugo Velazquez, citing “rampant corruption that undermines democratic establishments.”
The Treasury additionally designated 4 entities owned or managed by Cartes.
The establishment accused Cartes of taking part in corrupt actions earlier than, throughout and after his time period as president, alleging the premise of his profession relied on “corrupt means for achievement.”
Cartes is the top of Paraguay’s ruling Colorado occasion and essential backer of its candidate on this 12 months’s presidential election.
The Treasury stated Cartes joined the Colorado Get together in 2009, offering monetary assist and incentives to push the group to eradicate a requirement permitting him to run because the occasion’s presidential candidate.
He additionally paid occasion members as much as $10,000 every to assist his candidacy earlier than 2013 elections, the Treasury stated.
As president, Cartes made money funds to officers in alternate for his or her backing, the Treasury alleged. He reportedly made month-to-month funds to legislators from $5,000 to $50,000 per member.
Reuters couldn’t instantly attain Cartes or Velazquez for remark.