Colombia police intensify crime crackdown with Fundación extortion raid and Medellín sexual‑crime task force

The National Police of Colombia launched a comprehensive operation in the municipality of Fundación, Magdalena, deploying GAULA, criminal investigation units, traffic patrols, community police and other resources. Officers carried out strategic checks, vehicle and person searches, background verifications and engaged local merchants, confirming the identification of individuals suspected of extorting traders and citizens. Police commander Alexander Martín Eljadue said the unit will pursue the suspects until they are brought to justice and urged the public to report extortion through the free GAULA line 165 or emergency line 123, echoing the campaign slogan “Yo no pago, yo denuncio”.

In parallel, the Medellín mayor’s office created the “Task Force Medellín 2026” to protect attendees of the Feria de las Flores and Colombiamoda events. The inter‑agency team includes the FBI, HSI, U.S. Marshals Service, Interpol, Migración Colombia, the National Police, municipal authorities and several social‑service agencies. Operating from 28 July to 10 August, the task force will patrol high‑traffic tourist zones, share intelligence, provide technical assistance and focus on preventing sexual violence against children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups, especially involving foreign participants.