Son of Colombia’s president freed while he is investigated for illicit enrichment, money laundering
President Gustavo Petro’s son was ordered to be released from custody on Friday night by a Colombian judge while he is being looked into for possible money laundering and unlawful enrichment. Nicolás Petro was accused with both of the incidents this week after being taken into custody early on Saturday. Prosecutors said on Thursday that he confessed receiving money from questionable sources for his father’s 2022 election campaign, even though he had pledged to assist with the investigation . The case’s prosecutor, Mario Andrés Burgos, stated that Nicolás Petro promised to provide audio recordings and paperwork proving that some of the funds he received went toward supporting his father’s campaign . The younger Petro allegedly got money illegally, according to evidence submitted by the Attorney General’s Office. However, the judge ruled that the prosecution had not proven why the president’s son needed to remain in custody or under house arrest. He was given permission to be freed, provided he stayed in Colombia and refrained from engaging in political activity. Legislator Nicolás Petro represents the Atlántico region’s northern shore, although he has announced his resignation. According to Burgos, Petro Jr. disclosed that two people who were being questioned by Colombian officials were the source of the unwarranted asset increases that were found.