Four former city officials from Colombia’s northern Bolivar department were arrested Monday for allegedly diverting public health funds to paramillitaries.
The arrested were identified as ex-mayor Luis Barros Duran, ex-tresurer Abimael Pedrozo Armesto, and ex-functionaries Ruby Soto Mojica and Ubadel Camelo Camelo
The group allegedly diverted $450,000 to armed groups associated with Carlos Castaño, late commander of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia [AUC], according to Colombian media.
The police conducted research into the administration of the Regidor municipality between 2002 and 2003 then under the tenure of the former mayors.
The statement read, “During the administration of the municipality from 2002 to 2003 the former mayor, through the ex-treasurer, endorsed checks from the [government] accounts to a trusted partner without proper legal support. The person from the AUC entrusted with receiving these funds was alias ‘Julian Bolivar,’ who managed the financial resources of the central Bolivar block of the AUC.”
The accused await trail where they will face charges of embezzlement, misrepresentation and financing terrorism.
