# Colombia UNGRD corruption investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-ungrd-corruption-investigation
> Updated: 2026-10-06T21:45:03.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Investigations into a corruption scandal involving the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) have led to the transfer of several high-profile figures to La Picota prison in Bogotá to end preferential detention conditions.

In mid-September, former congressman Wadith Manzur was moved from a police station to La Picota. The Supreme Court of Justice accused Manzur of “improper bribery” related to the UNGRD, alleging that legislators accepted bribes from Ministry of Finance officials in 2023 to influence credit operations and promote contracts in various departments.

By early October, the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (INPEC) ordered the transfer of former UNGRD directors Olmedo López and Sneyder Pinilla to the same facility. Both men are serving as key witnesses in the investigation, which concerns the misappropriation of funds intended for humanitarian aid and emergency relief. President Abelardo de la Espriella stated the move was intended to end “privileges” for those involved in the scandal.

On October 6, 2026, INPEC issued Resolution 008041, ordering the immediate transfer of López and Pinilla from military detention facilities to La Picota under maximum security measures. The resolution also included the transfer of Jorge Armando Torres Reyes to La Picota and Jairo Rueda García to the La Paz prison in Itagüí. President de la Espriella confirmed the decision, noting the scandal involves over 16 billion pesos in cost overruns related to water tanker purchases for La Guajira. He emphasized that his administration will not tolerate “VIP prisons” or differentiated conditions based on political influence or wealth. While the transfer aims to ensure security and prevent escapes, Pinilla’s defense has challenged the order, arguing it poses a “significant security risk” and could jeopardize his cooperation with justice authorities.

## Claims

- The National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (INPEC) ordered the transfer of Olmedo López and Sneyder Pinilla to La Picota prison. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The transfers were ordered for penitentiary security reasons and will be carried out under maximum security measures. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that the transfer aims to end privileges for those involved in the UNGRD corruption scandal. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Olmedo López is a key witness in the investigation regarding corruption at the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Jorge Armando Torres Reyes is also being transferred to La Picota. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Jairo Rueda García is being transferred to the La Paz prison in Itagüí. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sneyder Pinilla was sentenced to five years, eight months, and one day in prison for aggravated conspiracy. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The UNGRD scandal involved over 16 billion pesos in cost overruns related to the purchase of 40 water tankers for La Guajira. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Olmedo López and Sneyder Pinilla transferred to La Picota prison

INPEC has ordered the transfer of UNGRD corruption scandal witnesses Olmedo López and Sneyder Pinilla from military facilities to La Picota prison in Bogotá under maximum security.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olmedo-lpez-and-sneyder-pinilla-transferred-to-la-picota-prison

### 2026-09-16: Wadith Manzur transferred to La Picota prison

Former Colombian congressman Wadith Manzur was transferred to La Picota prison following allegations of bribery linked to the UNGRD corruption scandal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wadith-manzur-transferred-to-la-picota-prison

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Cite as: Colombia UNGRD corruption investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-ungrd-corruption-investigation