In May, Nicaraguan authorities blocked bank accounts of Catholic parishes and dioceses in the country, including those in the capital where donations and offerings from the faithful are deposited, citing suspicions of money laundering, sources said. "I was informed of this situation, but especially of the blockages on the accounts of the parishes," Cardinal and Archbishop of Managua, Archbishop Leopoldo Brenes, told AFP after Sunday Mass.
«
I can answer (you) on my parishes: we had our accounts, and practically all the quests, the offerings that are given to us are deposited there. As soon as we are asked for information (about these accounts) we will give it," the cardinal said. Nicaraguan police announced Saturday in a statement the opening of an investigation into dioceses for "money laundering" in connection with accounts belonging to convicted political opponents.
Searches of buildings belonging to dioceses "led to the discovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars hidden in bags," according to police. Bishop Brenes echoed priests' concern about late payments to parish school teachers due to the blocking of accounts on which the authorities deposit subsidies for these schools. However, he insisted, "all parishes continue to work" and "move forward" to ensure their mission of "evangelization."
According to the police statement, investigators were informed on May 19 of "illegal activity in the movement of funds and resources into bank accounts that had belonged to persons convicted of treason to the homeland" in connection with "a money-laundering network discovered in dioceses." The authorities also refer to the existence of funds that "entered the country illegally".
Arrests of priests, including for "acts against sovereignty" have multiplied in recent months after Bishop Rolando Alvarez was sentenced in February to 26 years in prison for "treason and conspiracy". Relations between the authorities and the Church appear to have reached a point of no return since Pope Francis in March called Daniel Ortega's government a "vulgar dictatorship."