MEDELLÍN, Colombia – Authorities have identified two properties in Medellín, Antioquia, valued at over one billion pesos, allegedly linked to the Medellín cartel and hidden for more than two decades.
These assets, identified in August, are believed to have been acquired with illicit funds and used by associates of the infamous drug trafficking organization. The Prosecutor’s Office has stated that one of the properties is registered under an individual close to Sebastián Álzate Urquijo, known as “El Arete.” Investigations suggest this property was acquired during the period Álzate Urquijo served as the cartel’s head hitman, accumulating wealth from cocaine trafficking to the United States and terrorist activities.
La Fiscalía detectó dos bienes en Medellín (Antioquia), avaluados en más de 1.000 millones de pesos, que habrían sido adquiridos con dineros del cartel de Medellín. Los bienes, que estarían asociados a Roberto Escobar, alias El Osito, y a Sebastián Alzate (antes Carlos … pic.twitter.com/9shKIDmMob
– Fiscalía Colombia (@FiscaliaCol) September 1, 2025
The other property is a building in the Aranjuez neighborhood. Records show Roberto de Jesús Escobar Gaviria, “El Osito” and brother of the late drug lord Pablo escobar, acquired a 50% stake in this building in 1979. The funds for this transaction allegedly originated from illegal drug trafficking operations.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, both “El Arete” and “El Osito” were actively involved in the financial consolidation of the Medellín cartel. They reportedly utilized relatives and third parties to conceal their assets and establish an illegal fortune.
Precautionary measures, including suspension of power, embargo, and seizure, have been imposed on the two properties. These measures were executed by units of the National Police.
The ongoing identification of properties and activities linked to the Medellín cartel nearly three decades after its collapse highlights the long reach of these criminal enterprises.Such discoveries suggest potential for further operations targeting hidden assets of drug traffickers and their associates.
