These were the payments to the army colonel who was captured because of his links with FARC and ELN dissidents.

The Colombian military authorities have disclosed new details regarding the alleged criminal activities of Colonel Carlos Didier Pérez, a high-ranking officer accused of collaborating with armed groups linked to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Pérez is suspected of providing sensitive intelligence to these groups in exchange for financial compensation, potentially compromising military operations and facilitating illegal activities. Pérez, who served as commander of a battalion based in Puerto Jordán, Arauca, was reportedly involved in dealings dating back to 2020. During this period, he allegedly received 15 million pesos in exchange for reducing the intensity of military operations against the Eastern Front of the ELN. The evidence suggests that Pérez's actions were aimed at weakening the effectiveness of state security forces by limiting their ability to conduct targeted strikes. In July 2025, Pérez assumed command of an elite unit operating in several regions including Francisco Pizarro, Olaya Herrera, Roberto Payán, and San Andrés de Tumaco in Nariño, as well as parts of Cauca and Valle del Cauca. During his tenure, he is believed to have established connections with the Alfonso Cano bloc within the Second Marquetalia, a splinter group of former FARC rebels. This association has raised concerns over potential collusion between military personnel and insurgent factions. According to the prosecutor’s office, Pérez is accused of receiving weekly payments of up to 30 million pesos from these groups. These funds were allegedly used to inform them about the movements of government forces, thereby enabling the safe transport of narcotics, weapons, ammunition, and illicit currency through controlled routes. The collaboration appears to have extended beyond mere information sharing, with Pérez possibly aiding in the evasion of law enforcement efforts. Further allegations include Pérez’s involvement in obstructing military operations. In April of this year, during an offensive in Nariño, he is said to have prevented troops from advancing toward a specific interception point. This action allowed key figures from an armed organization to escape in speedboats before being apprehended. Such behavior would constitute a serious breach of duty and could have had severe consequences for public safety. The case highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining operational integrity within the Colombian armed forces. It underscores the persistent threat posed by internal corruption and external alliances with insurgent groups. While the exact extent of Pérez’s involvement remains under investigation, the evidence presented by the prosecutor’s office indicates a pattern of complicity that warrants further scrutiny. The legal proceedings against Pérez are expected to unfold in the coming months, with authorities preparing to present additional evidence to support the charges. As the investigation continues, the broader implications for national security and institutional trust will remain under close watch.