Colombia courts imprison 'Los Selectivos' gang members and probe diplomats for election proselitism

A Bogotá judge ordered the detention of eight alleged members of the criminal group ‘Los Selectivos’, accusing them of coordinated robberies targeting night‑life patrons. Prosecutors say the gang forced victims to hand over bank credentials, resulting in losses of more than 300 million pesos, and also seized a vehicle worth roughly 190 million pesos. The defendants face charges of aggravated criminal conspiracy, extortionate kidnapping and aggravated qualified theft.

Separately, Colombia’s Prosecutor’s Office opened disciplinary investigations into seven ambassadors and senior diplomats, including those assigned to the OAS, Venezuela and other postings. Authorities allege the officials used official and personal social‑media accounts to disseminate electoral propaganda and support for specific presidential candidates, in possible breach of electoral‑law rules. Names cited include Luis Ernesto Vargas, Milton Rengifo and others, with the probe focusing on alleged pro‑selitism during the upcoming election cycle.