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Abelardo De la Espriella launches anti-corruption offensive in Colombia
President Abelardo De la Espriella has launched a major anti-corruption offensive in Colombia, headlined by the creation of the ‘Corruption Search Block’ led by magistrate Cristina Lombana. The strategy includes the deployment of undercover agents within state institutions to monitor public administration and prevent the misappropriation of funds. The President emphasized that the government will use technology and forensic audits to intervene before resources are diverted.
This crackdown has sparked significant tension with local authorities, specifically Sincelejo Mayor Yahir Acuña. De la Espriella publicly questioned Acuña’s integrity due to ongoing corruption investigations, vowing to manage regional resources without the Mayor’s direct control. Acuña has responded by calling the accusations a ‘political attack’ and claiming that video evidence used by the President was digitally manipulated. He further alleged he was intimidated by armed civilians during a security council meeting in Coveñas, a claim the government denied, stating the personnel were part of the standard presidential security detail.
In other developments, the administration is implementing a plan to digitize and accelerate prior consultation processes for infrastructure and energy projects. Additionally, the government is reorienting international cooperation to focus on regions affected by both armed conflict and recent seismic activity. The President also announced the ‘Talento Colombia’ program, allocating US$25 million to fund postgraduate studies for Colombian professionals abroad.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Colombia · Cristina Lombana · ELN · Gustavo Petro · Procuraduría General de la Nación · Sincelejo · Sucre · Supreme Court of Justice · Universidad de Córdoba · Yahir Acuña
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mayor Yahir Acuña faces 13 corruption processes.
- [● 3 SOURCES] President Abelardo De la Espriella stated he will not allow anyone to misappropriate public funds.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Mayor Yahir Acuña has been called to trial by the Supreme Court of Justice for illicit enrichment.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Procuraduría has been conducting a preliminary investigation into Yahir Acuña regarding the School Feeding Program (PAE) since November 19, 2025.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A video allegedly shows the Mayor explaining operational details of a corruption scheme involving the PAE.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The President intends to implement mechanisms to manage Sincelejo's resources without the local Mayor's intervention. paragrafo.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mayor Yahir Acuña is summoned to trial before the Supreme Court of Justice for illicit enrichment.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The President announced plans to implement mechanisms to manage Sincelejo's resources without the local Mayor's intervention. paragrafo.co
- [● 9 SOURCES] President Abelardo De la Espriella vowed to prevent the misappropriation of public funds. paragrafo.co · www.notitarde.com.ve · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation into the PAE program was triggered by a leaked video allegedly showing the Mayor explaining corruption details.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Mayor Yahir Acuña faces 13 corruption-related legal processes. www.colombia.com
- [DISPUTED] Mayor Yahir Acuña alleges he was intimidated with rifles during the event in Coveñas. paragrafo.co