Six individuals, including police agents, penitentiary system guards, and a Public Prosecutor’s Office delegate, are facing preliminary hearings on September 18th regarding alleged involvement in a “talacha” scheme within a Quiché prison. "Talacha" refers to extortion or the collection of illicit payments. The case has been under investigation since 2019. The accused are suspected of demanding payments in exchange for services or favorable conditions within the correctional facility. This scandal highlights potential corruption within Guatemala’s security and judicial institutions. The hearings will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges. This case could expose wider issues within the Quiché prison system and potentially other facilities nationwide.