Four councillors from Montelíbano, Córdoba are being investigated for alleged irregular delivery of money

The Attorney General's Office announced that it will investigate four officials from Montelíbano, Córdoba, for the irregular delivery of money days before the last congressional elections in Colombia.

The Public Prosecutor's Office opened a disciplinary investigation against councillors Anselmo Herrera, Manuel López, Paul Duque and Gabriel Calle, who was also mayor of that municipality of Córdoba and is the father of Andrés Calle, representing the House for the Liberal Party. This is after the La W radio station revealed a video in which the latter is seen handing out wads of banknotes to other officials.

According to the complaint of lawyer Juan Carlos Díaz on the aforementioned station, Gabriel Calle is also being investigated for other allegations of alleged corruption filed in previous years.

The councillors assured that the money has nothing to do with their public service

According to the Attorney General's Office, the lobbyists issued a statement in which they assured that the money they distributed was related to private businesses that had nothing to do with their role as councillors; however, it should be remembered that the delivery was made at the premises of the Montelíbano Council with only a few days left before the last elections.

According to the statement, which was sent to the aforementioned broadcaster, the money corresponded to businesses they carried out as traders and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector of Montelíbano, where they are very well known.

“In the edited video you will find the undersigned, not only as councillors of the municipality, but also as traders, professionals, recognized entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector of Montelíbano and the region,” the statement said.

Likewise, they pointed out that the cash transaction was carried out in the open area, in front of the other councillors and even the public forces, with complete peace of mind because, according to the lobbyists, it was a lawful and transparent business.

“The cash transaction was carried out in the morning, in front of the security cameras of the Council, in the presence of the other councilors, employees of the corporation, Public Force and attendants to a venue that is publicly accessible, without any prevention, with the total confidence of the legality and transparency of the action that was being taken carrying out”, the statement reads.

For these facts, the Office of the Procurator ordered the practice of evidence in order to clarify the facts that led to the opening of the investigation.

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