A billion pesos under the magnifying glass: Federico Gutiérrez reveals 666 alleged cases of corruption that splash the brothers Daniel and Miguel Quintero

El TiempoIndependentCenter4 hr. ago

The mayor of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez, has revealed 666 alleged cases of corruption during the administration of former mayor Daniel Quintero between 2020 and 2023. These cases involve multiple entities such as Afinia, Inder, and Buen Comienzo, with total suspected misappropriation exceeding one billion pesos. The investigation includes over 13,000 pieces of evidence, testimonies from 157 individuals, and expert opinions. Authorities have already imputed 55 people, made three arrests, secured one conviction, and issued 25 asset freezes. Some of the funds allegedly moved to Panama and then to the United States, potentially leading to extradition requests. Specific cases include the alleged sale of Afinia’s management for eight million dollars, excessive costs in sports equipment contracts, cash withdrawals totaling nearly eight billion pesos, and improper contracting in vital programs like Buen Comienzo.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about ongoing investigations into alleged corruption within Medellín's administration without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the findings of the current administration, including specific figures and legal actions taken, while also mentioning the p

El TiempoIndependentProgressive3 days ago

A judge formally approved a pre-agreed plea deal on July 24, 2026, resulting in a 19-month prison sentence for Juan Alberto Cardona Henao, the accountant and treasurer of the Itagüí Volunteer Firefighters Corps. He admitted to forging invoices to divert public funds from contracts with the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley (AMVA) during the tenure of former mayor Daniel Quintero. The investigation revealed that between November 30, 2020, and December 30, 2022, Cardona signed 15 false documents to justify payments for non-existent transportation services, causing over 120 million pesos in losses to AMVA. The main sentence was eight months in prison, with additional penalties adding up to 22 days per charge. The ruling has sparked reactions from local politicians, including Medellín’s mayor, who called this the first conviction against those involved in the alleged theft of Medellín’s resources.

Bias read (Progressive): The article uses strong language such as 'estructura que robó a Medellín' ('structure that stole Medellín') and quotes political figures like Mayor Federico Gutiérrez and Council President Alejandro de Bedout, who frame the case as evidence of a systemic criminal organization embedded within local政府