The United States government has named several political and judicial leaders, including ex-presidents, judges and lawmakers, in its list of corrupt individuals.

The recently published list identifies individuals who “have knowingly” engaged in acts that undermine democratic processes or institutions, “in significant corruption, or in obstruction of investigations into such acts of corruption.”

“Today (July 19), the Secretary of State transmitted a report to Congress required by Section 353 of the United States–Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act, as amended, and announced 10 Guatemalan, 10 Honduran, 13 Nicaraguan, and six Salvadoran individuals as identified on this year’s iteration of the Section 353 Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors list,” said Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department in a recent press release.

Specifically, the U.S. Department of State added public figures from Central America, including former presidents and judges to its new list of the most corrupt people.

Mr Miller noted that corruption and other practices that “undermine democracy in Central America lead to instability and drive irregular migration.” 

A VOA report Thursday stated there were nearly 40 public officials from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Two former Salvadoran presidents were added to the list: Mauricio Funes, who ruled from 2009 to 2014, and his successor, Salvador Sanchez.

The US government had accused them of corruption, money laundering, and misappropriation of public funds.

“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.

Meanwhile, officials from Guatemala include Fredy Orellana, the judge who reportedly suspended a party opposed to corruption after Bernardo Arevalo, the party’s presidential candidate, received enough support to compete in a runoff election on August 20.

Also present are politicians from the opposition Liberal Party of Honduras, led by Yani Rosenthal, who was reported to have been convicted of money laundering in the U.S. 

Mr Rosenthal, in a tweet, said he “categorically rejects the unfounded accusations made in the list.”

The Guatemalan government also rejected the report on Wednesday, labelling the report “used by the United States to impose its jurisdiction on people abroad, as despicable.”