3 weeks ago

Colombia: $941 million embezzlement scandal hits former mayors, governors

Colombia: $941 million embezzlement scandal hits former mayors, governors
Rs 8,976 crore embezzlement scandal rocks Colombia; mayors and governors under scanner · wionews.com

Some people in Colombia are accused of stealing a very large amount of money - about 3 trillion pesos, which is around 941 million dollars.

This money belonged to the government and was meant to help the country.

Police and prosecutors say the people involved used fake documents to take the money.

The money was moved through something called the Sierra Nevada Mixed Fund, a group set up by a former mayor named Martin Zuleta.

Now, 13 people have been arrested.

The Supreme Court has also been asked to look into seven former governors.

They come from provinces called Magdalena, Vichada, Amazonas, Guaviare and Vaupes.

The problems were first noticed in 2024, when officials found issues with projects like building schools and helping indigenous communities.

One of the arrested men, Martin Zuleta, was taken to the hospital after a raid on his home.

Officials say he is helping with the investigation.

Key facts

Amount embezzled
COP3 trillion (about $941 million / Rs 8,976 crore)
Suspects arrested
13
Former governors referred for investigation
7
Fund at center of scandal
Sierra Nevada Mixed Fund
Fund created
Early 2021 by Martin Zuleta and his family
Provinces under investigation
Magdalena, Vichada, Amazonas, Guaviare, Vaupes
First irregularities detected
2024
Lead prosecutor
Madeleyne Perez

Quotes

Anti‑corruption prosecutor Madeleyne Perez

Anti‑corruption prosecutor

“So far, we’ve tracked 3 trillion pesos, of which it has been established that some were misappropriated through irregular contracts.”
wionews.com

Sources

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