Amid the growing corruption scandal that has shaken the Colombian government, Olmedo López, former director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd), has broken his silence. After weeks of speculation and accusations, López has finally spoken out about his alleged participation in a bribery and embezzlement scheme.
The case in question revolves around the irregular purchase of tank trucks intended to supply water to the communities of La Guajira. Preliminary investigations suggest that López and other senior officials were involved in a corruption scheme that involved the diversion of millions of pesos from the public treasury.
Statements by Olmedo López
In an audio revealed by Blu Radio, López addresses public opinion directly, acknowledging the difficulties he has faced in his professional career. “I have had to face tough battles, those who have fought like me, from different shores, will know how difficult it is to follow orders, even when you do not agree,” he said.
López assures that his intention is to tell the whole truth about what happened, without hesitation or detours. «I said that the country was waiting and I gave answers, which I gave and will continue to give without hesitation. They take advantage of my silence. Well not anymore. “I’m not going to allow them,” he warned.
Opportunity principle application
In an unexpected turn, the former director of the Ungrd has requested the Attorney General of the Nation, Luz Adriana Ramírez, to grant him a “principle of opportunity with total immunity.” This legal figure would allow him to collaborate with the authorities and reveal key information about the case in exchange for judicial benefits.
«That is why it is my duty to ask the Attorney General of the Nation, Luz Adriana Ramírez (sic) to grant me a principle of opportunity with total immunity and to give security guarantees to my family so that I can inform them of the real facts regarding the process. that I will face,” López declared in the audio.
Furthermore, aware of the seriousness of the matter and the possible reprisals, Olmedo López has requested protection measures from international organizations. His objective is to guarantee the safety of his family while he collaborates with the Colombian justice system.
«I requested protection measures from the international community, in search of guarantees to be able to tell what really happened. “The whole truth,” said the former official.
Potential revelations
According to reports from Semana magazine, Olmedo López would be willing to expose how millionaire sums were delivered to the presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Iván Name and Andrés Calle, respectively. These revelations could deepen the previous statements of Sneyder Pinilla, former deputy director of Disasters at the Ungrd, who initially uncovered the alleged bribes.
Furthermore, López could shed light on the role played by other senior officials and contractors in the facilitation and execution of these bribes, including Carlos Ramón González, then director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency of the Republic (Dapre), and Sandra Ortiz, presidential advisor for the regions.
It is expected that on Tuesday, May 7, the key meeting will be defined to discuss Olmedo López’s collaboration agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office. At this meeting, the terms of his testimony and the protective measures that will be granted to him will be established.
Political reactions
Olmedo López’s statements have generated mixed reactions in the Colombian political scene. While some sectors applaud his willingness to collaborate with justice, others question his credibility and demand an exhaustive investigation.
President Gustavo Petro has come out in defense of Iván Name, ensuring that “anyone who says they gave him money is simply lying.” For its part, the Radical Change Party recalled that Sandra Ortiz proposed life sentences for corrupt people, which has generated growing pressure on her figure.
Legal consequences
Depending on the veracity and scope of Olmedo López’s statements, the legal consequences could be significant. If his involvement in corruption is proven, he could face criminal charges and severe penalties.
However, if your collaboration with justice is fruitful and leads to the clarification of the case, it is possible that you will be granted judicial benefits, such as reduced sentences or even total immunity, as you have requested.
Sara Gonzalez
Sara was born in Bogotá. His passion for journalism led him to study Social Communication and his ability to investigate deep stories and focus on social issues made him a reference in the field of journalism in Colombia.
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