Colombia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has added money laundering to the long list of crimes for which the country’s former security chief is already serving time.
Retired General Flavio Buitrago was charged with money laundering and “illicit enrichment” while his wife, Elba Pulido, was accused of embezzlement with ties to former drug lords and ex-paramilitary leaders.
According to Colombia’s W Radio, testimony from the former head of the Central Bolivar Bloc of the AUC, Carlos Mario Jimenez Naranjo, alias “Macaco,” revealed that Buitrago was under the now-defunct paramilitary group’s payroll.
Additionally, Buitrago was accused of having ties with former drug lord Marco Antonio Gil Garzon, alias “El Papero.”
Based on statements from the former drug trafficker and paramilitary boss, the prosecution concluded that there was “clear and convincing evidence showing an unwarranted increase in assets and the possible commission of the crime of money laundering,” according to Colombia’s El Espectador newspaper.
According to Macaco, Buitrago was paid over $8,000 per month to provide information, conduct surveillance and interceptions, as well as retain anyone who was an inconvenience.
MORE: New accusations pile-on for Colombia’s already imprisoned ex-security chief
Sources
- Fiscalia llamo a juicio al general (r) Flavio Buitrago por lavado de activos (W Radio)
- General (r) Flavio Buitrago ira a juicio (El Espectador)
