El Salvador Police Arrest Over 100 Colombians Involved in Money Laundering Scheme
SAN SALVADOR, July 17 – Salvadoran police have apprehended more than a hundred Colombians for their alleged participation in a microfinancing scheme that was used to launder money from drug running and gang activities, according to security officials on Monday.
The criminal group reportedly provided loans, utilizing illegally obtained funds, to individuals and small businesses with a 20% interest rate, officials stated.
Since last year, President Nayib Bukele’s government has taken a tough stance on gangs, resulting in the imprisonment of approximately 70,000 suspects in a mass dragnet. This approach has also contributed to a significant reduction in violent crime.
Despite criticism from numerous rights groups, Bukele’s anti-gang efforts have garnered him sky-high approval ratings ahead of his upcoming re-election campaign early next year.
At a press conference, Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado informed reporters that when victims of the financial scheme were unable to repay their loans, the group would intimidate them into providing their bank account information, which was subsequently used to transfer money abroad.
Delgado added that an estimated $20 million linked to drug trafficking gangs has been sent to Colombia since 2021 through this scheme.
“Colombians are our brothers,” Bukele wrote in a Twitter post on Monday. “However, these people will have to face Salvadoran justice.”
The Colombian foreign ministry revealed that it is currently discussing the arrests with its embassy and consulate in El Salvador and refrained from making further comments on the accusations faced by the Colombian nationals.
According to information provided by the president’s office, three Salvadorans, a Guatemalan, and an Argentine were also arrested in connection with the operation.
Reporting by Nelson Renteria in San Salvador; Additional reporting by Oliver Griffin in Bogota; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Matthew Lewis
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