Koriun case in Honduras: opposition demands answers from the government

The scandal surrounding the Koriun Inversiones pyramid scheme, which has affected more than 35,000 people in Honduras, has escalated to the center of the political debate after questions were raised about figures close to the presidential circle. In particular, criticism has focused on the so-called “Zelaya family,” a term used by opposition sectors and citizen organizations to refer to officials with family or political ties to President Xiomara Castro and former President Manuel Zelaya.

Despite the fact that the Public Ministry has begun legal actions and the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) has taken steps like freezing accounts and carrying out some arrests, there is still significant doubt about the transparency and true extent of the investigations. The absence of detailed official information on why the fraudulent scheme was permitted to function for such an extended period has initiated new scrutiny for the bodies in charge of financial oversight and the judicial system.

Accusations involving politically connected officials

In the public discussion, Héctor Zelaya, who is the private secretary to the president and son of former president Zelaya, along with Attorney General Johel Zelaya, have been mentioned. Both have occupied key roles since the start of the present government, and according to several critical opinions, may possess the capacity to affect institutional proceedings linked to the Koriun case.

Such allegations arise within an environment characterized by division and increasing skepticism towards government bodies. While there is no public proof directly connecting the officials in question to the deception, the concerns raised suggest a potential absence of neutrality in their conduct and the selective management of their official duties.

Questions regarding institutional effectiveness

The CNBS has been one of the institutions most criticized for its delayed response to the fraudulent operation, which managed to mobilize at least 428 million lempiras before being dismantled. The commission supported the government’s announcement to compensate those affected, although it did not present a technical or legal report explaining the conditions of this process or the causes of the failure of preventive controls.

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by Johel Zelaya, has succeeded in reclaiming some of the funds. Nevertheless, advancements in the investigation have not been paired with transparent and public statements to eliminate uncertainties regarding the involvement of state officials in neglecting or potentially concealing irregularities.

Calls for openness and autonomous supervision

Organizations from civil society, experts, and political figures have urged the creation of an autonomous commission, either within the nation or with international assistance, to examine the events and potential connections between those accountable for the plan and government officials. Calls include releasing a comprehensive report that clarifies the operational workings of the fraud, identifies failures in financial oversight, and ensures responsibility for all participants, without exclusions due to familial ties or political closeness.

Various civic groups have warned that the handling of the Koriun case could become a turning point for the country’s institutional credibility. “When the state prioritizes political payments over justice, the damage to institutional credibility is irreversible,” said a recent forum on transparency and the fight against corruption.

A challenge that extends past the economic sector

Two months after the case broke, the consequences are no longer limited to the economic sphere. The perception that certain powerful figures may be protected from possible legal responsibility has fueled skepticism among the public and reignited debates about the political use of institutions.

The evolution of this process, the government’s actions, and the behavior of autonomous entities will shape not just the legal conclusion of the case, but also the degree of confidence that the people of Honduras have in their leaders amid a scenario of weak institutions and intense division. The primary demand, at this moment, is for an investigation that is free from intervention and includes assurances of transparency, as a basic requirement for sustaining the legitimacy of the legal system.