Colombia inspector charged over MI-17 helicopter contract irregularities

Colombian prosecutors have charged Juan Enrique Brenez Vanegas, an operational safety inspector for the Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil), with procedural fraud and ideological falsehood in a public document. The charges stem from an investigation into a 32.4 million dollar contract for the maintenance of the National Army's MI-17 helicopters.

According to the Attorney General's Office, Brenez Vanegas traveled to Florida, United States, in November 2024 to inspect a company seeking to renew its operating certificate and expand its technical capabilities, including major aircraft overhaul. Although the inspector documented 19 non-compliances and noted the company lacked the capacity for large-scale maintenance, he allegedly issued a favorable report just days later without the deficiencies being corrected.

This favorable assessment reportedly allowed the company, which is linked to Vertol Systems, to obtain the certification required to participate in and secure the military maintenance contract. The MI-17 fleet has faced operational difficulties and remains grounded at the Tolemaida Military Base due to issues surrounding this agreement. The inspector has not accepted the charges.