Bogotá,Colombia - A Swedish media report detailing a lavish lifestyle allegedly enjoyed by Verónica Alcocer,the former partner of Colombian President Gustavo Petro,has prompted a request to the Prosecutor’s Office to seek a European Union investigation into potential money laundering and transnational bribery.
The request,filed by lawyer Román Portilla,urges the Prosecutor’s Office to “practice the necessary judicial and administrative cooperation efforts before the criminal,fiscal,judicial and administrative authorities of Sweden to obtain evidence,testimonies and records that clarify the possible existence of crimes related to transnational bribery,money laundering or other related crimes linked to the contract between the Republic of Colombia and Saab AB.”
The scrutiny comes as Alcocer’s separation from Petro gains attention,notably given the multi-million dollar contracts awarded for activities undertaken while she was perceived as the nation’s first lady. Portilla argues that Alcocer would not have been entitled to expenses such as travel, photographers, masseuses, and international trips had she not held that position.
Portilla has also requested the activation of joint operational analysis mechanisms and inter-institutional or international cooperation to assess risks of transnational corruption and associated financial flows.
Progress on related investigations within Colombia has been limited, with many cases reportedly remaining inactive. Alcocer, Petro, and their son Nicolás petro are already on the Clinton list, a U.S. State Department designation for individuals implicated in significant corruption.
