Colombian Prosecutor Lucy Laborde Resigns from Nicolás Petro Money‑Laundering Probe

Lucy Laborde Betancurt, a prosecutor in Colombia’s Fiscalía General, left the Specialized Directorate against Money Laundering that was handling the investigation of Nicolás Petro Burgos, son of President Gustavo Petro. Her exit follows a dispute with Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo after Laborde sent a four‑page letter criticizing the assignment of María Isabel Ramírez Meléndez as a supporting prosecutor. Laborde argued she possessed the expertise and that the case had strong evidentiary support, stating “Esto no guarda relación alguna con las necesidades del despacho …”. She also said she was summoned on 18 September to a meeting without prior notice to discuss the investigation’s progress. The prosecutor’s departure comes as the case, originally opened for alleged money‑laundering and illicit enrichment, will be taken over by a newly appointed lead prosecutor selected through a merit‑based competition. No replacement has been announced yet.