Miguel Quintero begins house arrest amid contract investigation

Miguel Quintero Calle, brother of former Medellín Mayor Daniel Quintero, has begun serving house arrest in Copacabana following a ruling by the 27th Municipal Criminal Court of Medellín. Quintero is under investigation for alleged irregularities involving contracts between the Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá and the Itagüí Volunteer Fire Department. Prosecutors allege the scheme involved approximately 17 billion pesos in contracts, resulting in illegal payments of about 2.481 billion pesos.

Quintero has maintained his innocence, claiming he has never misappropriated public funds. In a video statement, he characterized the legal proceedings as “persecución política en cuerpo ajeno” (political persecution in another's body), suggesting he is facing consequences for his brother's political actions. He also addressed allegations regarding his wealth, stating his home is a prefabricated structure built in stages through loans and disputing the legitimacy of claims regarding his assets.

Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez expressed disagreement with the judicial decision, questioning the appropriateness of allowing Quintero to serve his detention at a private estate.