Gloria Milena Álvarez Quinchía provided accommodation to foreign citizens who traveled irregularly through the country to reach the border area with Panama and continue on their way to the United States.
In response to the evidence obtained by the Attorney General’s Office, the investigated person, who worked as an employee of a hotel in Medellín, accepted through a preliminary agreement her participation in a migrant trafficking network and having provided accommodation to foreigners who transited irregularly through the country. with the purpose of reaching the Gulf of Urabá.
A specialized criminal judge endorsed the judicial negotiation and sentenced the woman to four years and two months in prison for the crimes of aggravated criminal conspiracy and migrant trafficking. Likewise, he imposed a fine equivalent to 1,383 current legal minimum wages and disqualification from exercising public functions for 50 months.
The investigation led by the Specialized Directorate against Human Rights Violations showed that the person sentenced today housed Cuban citizens on several occasions, who were then taken by land to Capurganá, Chocó and sent on speedboats from Panama to continue their journey to USA.
Álvarez Quinchía had been captured along with 10 other people in May 2022. At the time she was charged and received a custodial measure at her place of residence.
And according to the Migration Colombia report on the irregular flow in transit, as of December 31, 2023, more than 530,000 people transited through the country, of which 82% left through Necoclí and Turbo to cross the Darién towards Central America. and North America, with 20% being girls and boys.
Transit through the Darién Gap represents a great danger for girls, boys, adolescents and their families. The journey can last between 5 to 10 days. During that time, they face risks and vulnerabilities associated with geographical and climatic factors (rains, sudden river floods, cliffs and the presence of dangerous animals and insects).