Colombian ex‑officials investigated over alleged Clan del Golfo collusion

The Colombian Prosecutor’s Office opened a preliminary investigation into four former officials of President Gustavo Petro’s administration after audio recordings released by Noticias Caracol suggested secret concessions to the criminal organization Clan del Golfo. The subjects are former defence minister Iván Velásquez, former high commissioner for peace Danilo Rueda, former director of the National Intelligence Directorate Jorge Lemus and former counter‑intelligence chief Ricardo Rosanía. The recordings allegedly show Rueda promising to suspend military operations and to “clean” or purge parts of the armed forces and intelligence services in exchange for the group’s cooperation, as well as discussions about a possible “freezing” of actions against the clan. The investigation will verify the authenticity of the audios and determine any criminal liability. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that, if the recordings are genuine, they could constitute a crime and “promote criminal action”. The scandal follows reports that the Clan del Golfo expanded from roughly 4 000 members in 2022 to nearly 10 000 in 2025, doubling its territorial control, raising concerns about national security and the rule of law.