Salvadoran authorities have made a significant arrest, apprehending over a hundred Colombians allegedly involved in a microfinancing scheme that laundered money obtained from drug trafficking and gang activities, reported Reuters on July 17. The criminal group operated by providing loans, using illegally acquired funds, to individuals and small businesses, charging exorbitant interest rates of 20%, according to security officials.
Under President Nayib Bukele's administration, the Salvadoran government has adopted a tough stance on gangs, resulting in the incarceration of approximately 70,000 suspects in a widespread crackdown. This approach has led to a notable decrease in violent crime and has bolstered Bukele's popularity ahead of his upcoming re-election bid.
During a press conference, Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado stated that when victims of the financial scheme were unable to repay their loans, the group resorted to intimidation tactics, coercing them into providing their bank account details. The obtained information was then allegedly used to transfer money abroad. Delgado estimated that around $20 mn, connected to drug trafficking gangs, had been sent to Colombia through this scheme since 2021.
In response to the arrests, President Bukele took to Twitter, acknowledging the importance of the relationship between Colombia and El Salvador but emphasising that those involved in the alleged criminal activities would face justice in El Salvador.
The Colombian foreign ministry has been in discussions with its embassy and consulate in El Salvador regarding the arrests, but no further comments have been provided regarding the accusations faced by the Colombian nationals involved. Additionally, three Salvadorans, one Guatemalan, and one Argentine were also apprehended in the operation, as reported by the president's office.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Threads pages to keep up to date on world news.
Comments (0)