Colombia probes ex‑officials over Odebrecht money and Clan del Golfo dealings

Colombian prosecutors announced they will indict Roberto Prieto Uribe, former campaign manager for former President Juan Manuel Santos, for alleged enrichment and procedural fraud after allegedly receiving a $1 million payment from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht to fund an undisclosed opinion poll during the 2014 presidential race. The investigation asserts the money was never reported to the national electoral council, potentially allowing the campaign to exceed legal financing limits.

Separately, the incoming administration of President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella plans to ask the United States Department of Justice to investigate accusations that former high‑level peace official Danilo Rueda negotiated benefits with the criminal organization Clan del Golfo. The alleged talks, revealed by recorded audio, could involve money‑laundering and illicit drug‑trade proceeds, prompting a formal request to U.S. authorities and a new line of inquiry by Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office.