Colombian prosecutors have initiated corruption proceedings against two former high-ranking officials from President Gustavo Petro’s administration, alleging their involvement in a sophisticated congressional vote-buying operation. The charges target former Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla and former Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco, who stand accused of orchestrating a scheme to divert public funds to companies connected with congressional members and their allies.
The investigation reveals that both former ministers allegedly collaborated with officials from two government agencies to channel substantial contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to congressional affiliates. In return, legislators provided crucial voting support for Petro’s legislative agenda, including the government’s controversial pension system reform.
Prosecutors have leveled serious charges including criminal association, bribery, and undue conflict of interest in contracting processes. If convicted, both officials face potential prison sentences of up to 27 years. The investigation has also implicated former leadership of Colombia’s senate and house of representatives, who have been arrested in connection with the same scheme.
Notably, a significant portion of the allegedly misdirected funds originated from the National Disaster Risk Management Unit, whose former director now also faces criminal charges. Both Bonilla and Velasco have vehemently denied any wrongdoing during their court hearing in Bogotá.
President Petro has characterized the legal actions against his former ministers as part of a broader strategy to destabilize his government. The 75-year-old Bonilla, a long-time Petro adviser who served as finance minister for 18 months before resigning amid previous allegations, maintained his innocence during proceedings, stating he had not committed any crimes.