Laura Sarabia faces embezzlement charge in polygraph investigation

The Colombian Prosecutor's Office (Fiscalía General de la Nación) will add the crime of embezzlement (peculado) to the charges against Laura Sarabia during a key hearing scheduled for Monday, September 14. This new charge joins previous allegations of abuse of public office and aggravated illegal coercion.

The investigation stems from an incident in January 2023 involving Marelbys Meza, the former nanny of Sarabia's son. Following a reported theft of funds from Sarabia's residence—initially estimated at over $30 million pesos but potentially exceeding $150 million pesos—Meza was taken to an intelligence facility (Casa Galán) to undergo a polygraph test.

Prosecutors are investigating allegations that Meza was pressured or threatened during the procedure. While a plea agreement between Sarabia's defense and the prosecution failed to materialize, the upcoming hearing will focus on the specific modality of the embezzlement charge and Sarabia's direct responsibility in the matter.