Colombia Itagüí firefighter contract corruption probe

The Colombian Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities involving six contracts between the Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá (AMVA) and the Itagüí Volunteer Firefighters Corps. Signed between 2019 and 2023, these contracts, totaling over 17.6 billion Colombian pesos, were intended for emergency response, disaster risk reduction, and COVID-19 relief.

Prosecutors allege the scheme resulted in a loss of over 2.4 billion pesos due to directed contracts, overcharges for pandemic kits, and payments for services that were never provided. Miguel Andrés Quintero Calle, brother of former Medellín Mayor Daniel Quintero, has been charged with embezzlement by appropriation and undue interest in the celebration of contracts. Prosecutors claim Quintero Calle influenced administrative appointments to facilitate the scheme and allegedly sought a 15% commission from the manager of the Itagüí Firefighters.

In response, Daniel Quintero Calle has challenged the testimony of key witness Misael Cadavid. Quintero Calle cited inconsistencies between Cadavid’s statements and financial records, specifically noting discrepancies regarding the amount of money allegedly withdrawn via checks and pointing to the acquisition of assets valued at 2.7 billion pesos by Cadavid during the contract period.