Colombian hydrocarbon theft investigations

Colombian authorities have conducted several operations targeting the illegal extraction and transport of fuel. In late October 2026, the National Police executed Operation Urano in the Cesar department, seizing 11,686 gallons of gasoline. This operation resulted in two arrests and was intended to strike the finances of the ELN ‘Camilo Torres Restrepo’ front, which allegedly controls illegal extraction valves in the La Aurora sector.

Following this, Operation HEXANO, a joint effort involving the National Police, Military Forces, and the Attorney General's Office, dismantled larger fuel theft networks across five departments. Authorities reported that between January 2025 and September 2026, these networks illicitly obtained approximately one million gallons of oil and derivatives, causing losses exceeding $1.2 billion. The operation led to the arrest of 22 individuals and identified public officials who were allegedly involved in leaking privileged technical information. Investigations suggest the proceeds from these clandestine sales financed armed groups, including the ELN, Los Pachenca, and Clan del Golfo.