The gradual downfall of Francisco ‘Chico’ López, the eternal treasurer of the Sandinista Front
The operator of the private businesses of the Ortega-Murillo family was captured on May 14 in Managua and transferred to La Modelo prison, after the delivery of a preliminary audit report by Ovidio Reyes, president of the Central Bank and de facto successor to López Centeno's position. Two of his sons are also detained, both after disagreements with Laureano Ortega in mining and machinery businesses. Behind the detention also weighed Rosario Murillo's historical hatred towards him, who for years called him "monkey" at Albanisa.
TL;DR
- Francisco ‘Chico’ López Centeno, treasurer of the Sandinista Front and manager of the Ortega-Murillo family's private businesses, was arrested on May 14, 2026.
- López Centeno managed diverted funds from Venezuelan cooperation, totaling over $4.7 billion between 2007 and 2018, through companies like Albanisa.
- His influence waned as Rosario Murillo consolidated power, leading to public displays of disdain and his removal from positions in February 2026.
- His arrest followed a preliminary audit report delivered by Ovidio Reyes, who replaced him in managing the regime's finances.
- Two of López Centeno's sons have also been detained following disputes in mining and machinery businesses, reportedly involving Laureano Ortega.
- López Centeno was known for his loyalty to Daniel Ortega but reportedly feared Rosario Murillo, who often denigrated him.