Colombia: Judge orders seizure of Pacto Histórico accounts

A judge in Barrancabermeja has ordered the seizure of bank accounts belonging to the Pacto Histórico political party. The ruling is a precautionary measure to address a debt of 450 million pesos stemming from Gustavo Petro’s 2022 presidential campaign.

The lawsuit was filed by Bibiana Piedad Pérez Arroyo, a businesswoman from Santander, who claims she provided a loan of 450 million pesos on May 18, 2022, shortly before the first round of elections. She asserts the debt remains unpaid and is seeking the principal amount plus interest. While the original debt is 450 million pesos, the judge has set a seizure limit of up to 1.5 billion pesos.

The legal responsibility for the debt shifted to Pacto Histórico following its merger with the Colombia Humana movement. Previously, the court had issued orders against Ricardo Roa, the former campaign manager, including the seizure of his salary and several properties. Roa also faces separate criminal proceedings regarding campaign spending limits.