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The son of Colombia's president says his father's election campaign received money of dubious origin
The son of Colombia's president says his father's election campaign received money of dubious origin
The son of Colombian President Gustavo Petro acknowledged Thursday that his father’s 2022 election campaign received money of dubious origin, according prosecutors investigating the son for alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering. Nicolás Petro, who was a legislator representing a northern coastal region, agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in the probe after being charged Tuesday. Prosecutor Mario Andrés Burgos, who heads the investigation, said the younger Petro has revealed that unjustified increases detected in his assets came from two individuals being questioned by Colombian authorities. The money went partly into his own accounts and partly into the campaign that made his father Colombia's first elected leftist president, the prosecutor said. On Tuesday, when he was charged, prosecutors said the younger Petro took thousands of dollars from drug traffickers and used it to buy luxurious homes and expensive cars. Nicolás Petro, 36, pleaded innocent to the charges, but agreed to cooperate with authorities. The case has come at a time when Colombia’s president is losing popularity and has been exposed to attacks by opposition parties, which have become increasingly reluctant to cooperate with his legislative agenda. The investigation stems from a shocking declaration made by the son's former wife, Daysuris Vásquez, to local news magazine Semana in March. Vasquez said she was present at meetings where Nicolás Petro arranged a 600 million peso ($150,000) donation from a politician who was once convicted in Washington of drug trafficking and who wanted to contribute to Gustavo Petro’s 2022 presidential campaign. She accused her ex-husband of pocketing the money and said that the father’s presidential campaign had no knowledge of the donation. On Thursday, prosecutors said the “resources” in the case were around $270,000 that was delivered by Samuel Santander Lopesierra and Gabriel Hilsaca to Nicolás Petro. Lopesierra was convicted and extradited to the United States, where he was sentenced for drug trafficking. Hilsaca is the son of Alfonso Hilsaca, who is currently being prosecuted on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy in Colombia. Burgos said the president’s son has promised to deliver audio recordings and documentary evidence that would corroborate that part of the money he received was used to finance his father’s electoral campaign without being duly reported to authorities.. Prosecutors also accused Vásquez of co-operating in the money laundering scheme and said she helped her husband hide thousands of dollars in cash in suitcases that the couple kept at their home. The couple, who no longer live together, were arrested Saturday and have been held at the headquarters of the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Bogota. Thursday’s hearing was held to hear arguments on whether Nicolás Petro’s detention should be switched to house arrest. The president has said he would not interfere with the investigation, and wrote a message on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, in which he said he hoped his son would “reflect on his mistakes.” Read More Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Panama Canal foresees its income falling after shipping limited due to a drought Appeals court allows Biden asylum restrictions to temporarily stay in place as case plays out New Zealand to boost its defense capabilities as it faces increasing tensions in the Pacific
2023-08-04 09:15
MrBeast: Fan favorite YouTuber follows Blackpink's Jennie on Instagram, K-pop fans say 'stay away fatty'
MrBeast: Fan favorite YouTuber follows Blackpink's Jennie on Instagram, K-pop fans say 'stay away fatty'
MrBeast fans and K-pop fans speculate potential collaboration as YouTuber follows Blackpink member Jennie on Instagram
2023-05-31 13:26
Rachel Maddow's 'Deja News' podcast a boon to fans who like her historical tangents
Rachel Maddow's 'Deja News' podcast a boon to fans who like her historical tangents
Rachel Maddow has something special for fans who appreciate the occasional digressions into history on her weekly MSNBC show
2023-06-12 22:21
'Weird' journey takes England's Chessum from second tier to World Cup semi
'Weird' journey takes England's Chessum from second tier to World Cup semi
When England impressively beat the then two-time holders New Zealand in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-finals, lock forward Ollie Chessum was a teenager...
2023-10-19 09:23
Erdogan Seeks to Seal Victory in Run-Off for Turkish Presidency
Erdogan Seeks to Seal Victory in Run-Off for Turkish Presidency
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is aiming to drive home an election victory to extend his rule well
2023-05-28 14:18
Talking Transfers x Inside Recruitment: Michael Emenalo
Talking Transfers x Inside Recruitment: Michael Emenalo
Learn how Michael Emenalo is helping to shape recruitment in the Saudi Pro League as the director of football.
2023-10-17 22:26
Ex-Wallaby Kefu ends Tonga tenure with Romania win
Ex-Wallaby Kefu ends Tonga tenure with Romania win
Former Australia back-rower Toutai Kefu brought down his time as Tonga coach with a 45-24 win over Romania in their final Rugby...
2023-10-09 01:49
Rodri urges football authorities to 'control' transfers to Saudi Pro League
Rodri urges football authorities to 'control' transfers to Saudi Pro League
Rodri discussses the flow of football talent out of Europe to Saudi Arabia.
2023-09-11 01:25
Afghanistan confident ahead of Bangladesh Test without Rashid
Afghanistan confident ahead of Bangladesh Test without Rashid
Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi is confident of his side's chances against Bangladesh in their return to Test cricket after more than two years, despite resting...
2023-06-12 21:45
'Gladiator 2' crew hospitalized after massive 'fireball' explodes on set leaving actors 'shaken up'
'Gladiator 2' crew hospitalized after massive 'fireball' explodes on set leaving actors 'shaken up'
'Gladiator 2' stars British actor Paul Mescal in the leading role with Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal follow him in the supporting cast
2023-06-10 09:58
Steve Cohen tells Mets fans exactly what they don’t want to hear
Steve Cohen tells Mets fans exactly what they don’t want to hear
New York Mets fans want drastic changes with the high-salary team underperforming, but team owner Steve Cohen is stressing patience.The New York Mets spent big money this offseason to officially become the team with the highest payroll in all of baseball. With that, the expectations were underst...
2023-06-11 08:49
Maldives election: Pro-China candidate Muizzu wins presidency
Maldives election: Pro-China candidate Muizzu wins presidency
Mohamed Muizzu ran an "India out" campaign as the current leader favours good relations with Delhi.
2023-10-01 05:20