The police are tracking a million-dollar business linked to individuals close to William René Salamanca, the former director of the National Police. In the midst of this investigation, authorities aim to stop the deal and clarify a possible mention of the general in a file related to the well-known smuggler “Papá Pitufo.”
A Suspicious Business?
The investigations began after photos taken in Miami during the “For the Police of Colombia” race, which was held in Bogotá and Florida on November 10, caught the attention of the authorities. In these images, William Andrés Salamanca Dechner, the eldest son of General Salamanca, appears alongside a businessman tied to a company bidding for a lucrative contract with the Police.
Although General Salamanca has claimed that his retirement from the Police was due to completing his term, EL TIEMPO’s investigation revealed that the 11.4 billion pesos deal was a factor in his departure. Additionally, other concerns have emerged related to the investigation of «Papá Pitufo,» a notorious smuggler, and the alleged closeness between Salamanca and Ecopetrol’s president, Ricardo Roa.
The Million-Dollar Contract and Fund Manipulation
The 11.4 billion pesos contract, derived from leftover funds from various Police contracts, was originally intended for the purchase of X-ray machines and scanners for the Dijín. However, the project was transferred to the Bogotá Metropolitan Police, which signed an agreement with the Rotating Fund in December 2024, without the necessary transparency.
The Role of Andrés Vanegas and DTM Firm
One of the key figures in this scheme is Andrés Vanegas Fernández, a businessman linked to Data Tactical Management (DTM SAS). DTM is associated with the purchase of scanners that were being processed as part of the 11.4 billion pesos deal. Vanegas, a former police lieutenant, was identified in the photos taken during the Miami race when the equipment purchase was still in process.
The investigation revealed that DTM is the only company representing the required products for the scanner acquisition. Furthermore, it was discovered that María de los Ángeles Rangel, Vanegas’ wife, is the sole shareholder of the company, which raises suspicions of possible irregularities in the contract.
The Connection with the “Papá Pitufo” Case
This business deal may also be linked to the file against Diego Marín, known as “Papá Pitufo,” accused of being the smuggling kingpin. According to statements from Major Peter Steven Nocua, an undercover agent in the case, a contractor named Venegas was mentioned, which could implicate Vanegas in the legal proceedings.
Nocua recalled being contacted by a supposed advisor to the Police Director via an app called Silent Phone. During a meeting in Cartagena, this advisor spoke about his proximity to high-ranking Police officials and his influence over officer listings in key divisions, such as the Police Fiscal and Customs Division (Polfa). Nocua also recognized a person who, according to investigations, might be Érika Castellanos, the private secretary of General Salamanca.
The Link to Ecopetrol
As the investigation progressed, an additional link to Ecopetrol was discovered. Colonel (r.) Carlos Benítez Rojas, the partner of Érika Castellanos, was appointed as head of prevention and control at Cenit, an Ecopetrol subsidiary. In this context, it has been reported that the oil company sponsored the Miami race, where Vanegas was seen alongside Salamanca.
Although Ecopetrol has not officially responded regarding Salamanca’s closeness to the company’s president, Ricardo Roa, it has been revealed that Benítez resigned in February 2024 for personal reasons, and the retired general Hugo Casas, Salamanca’s father-in-law, took his position.
Open Investigation and Possible Consequences
The investigation is ongoing, with official Police sources confirming that possible irregularities in the use of the 11.4 billion pesos are being evaluated. In this regard, authorities are looking into the reallocation of the funds to ensure they are used for other priority projects within the institution.
Reactions from the Involved Parties
When General Salamanca was questioned about the allegations of his involvement in the “Papá Pitufo” case, he did not respond. Despite efforts by journalists to contact his son and others involved, such as Colonel Castellanos, no responses were received. Attempts to reach Andrés Vanegas, who has been involved in the scanner contract through his company, were also unsuccessful.
Benefits of Investigating Corruption Cases
Transparency and justice in managing public contracts are essential to ensure the proper use of resources allocated to security. Investigating potential irregularities in assigning million-dollar contracts strengthens confidence in institutions and helps prevent corruption within security forces like the National Police. Furthermore, it promotes the correct allocation of funds to projects that genuinely benefit society, such as technological equipment that could improve the efficiency of police operations.
