Colombian tribunal denies bank account to alias ‘Papá Pitufo’

The Administrative Tribunal of Cundinamarca has overturned a previous ruling that ordered BBVA to open a bank account for Diego Marín Buitrago, known as ‘Papá Pitufo’. Marín, who is currently detained in Portugal, sought the account to receive his old-age pension recognized by Colpensiones.

The tribunal ruled that the bank acted within its contractual autonomy and fulfilled its legal obligations regarding risk management and the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The bank had cited Marín’s criminal record, an active Interpol red notice, and a pending extradition request as grounds for the refusal.

Marín, accused of being an organizer of a smuggling network, faces charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and bribery. He has also filed a lawsuit against the Colombian state for over 700 million pesos, alleging irregularities in his 2024 arrest warrant.