The National Police have launched an investigation into a multi-million-dollar business deal involving Andrés Vanegas Fernández, a businessman with dubious connections, allegedly tied to the son of General William René Salamanca, former director of the Police. This link has become even more troubling following the recent appearance of Vanegas in photos from the ‘For the Police of Colombia’ race held in Miami, just before a lucrative contract worth 11.4 billion pesos was formalized within the institution.
A Shady Deal
Despite General Salamanca’s claims of stepping down from the Police after completing his term, investigations reveal that the lucrative contract was one of the main reasons behind his dismissal. This scandal not only involves Vanegas but also ties his wife and several former police officers in a web of corruption that has drawn the attention of President Petro’s government.
The situation becomes even more complicated with references to General Salamanca in the case against Diego Marín, alias ‘Papá Pitufo’, the infamous ‘smuggling kingpin’. Authorities are now investigating Salamanca’s ties with Ecopetrol’s president, Ricardo Roa, amid the opacity surrounding the Police’s finances.
Vanegas’ Connection
Documents reveal that a purchase of scanners, initially intended for the Dijín (the Police Criminal Investigation Directorate), was diverted to the Bogotá Metropolitan Police, where businessman Andrés Vanegas Fernández, linked to the firm Data Tactical Management (DTM SAS), is attempting to secure the contract. This former police lieutenant, now a businessman, has been accused of manipulating contract processes, prompting an internal investigation to clarify his involvement.
Shadows of Corruption
The scandal intensifies with testimonies from Major Peter Steven Nocua, who has implicated Vanegas in a corruption scheme possibly connected to the investigation against ‘Papá Pitufo’. Nocua revealed that he was introduced to a supposed advisor to the Police Director, who suggested ways to bypass the law and manipulate officer lists. This same individual, linked to Vanegas, has alerted authorities to the deep-rooted corruption within the institution.
The Link with Ecopetrol
Additionally, it has been discovered that Colonel (r.) Carlos Benítez Rojas, the partner of General Salamanca’s private secretary, is closely involved in the process of acquiring the scanners. This connection raises questions about the legitimacy of the deal, especially with Ecopetrol being the sponsor of the event in Miami where Vanegas was seen.
A Setup or Reality?
As the investigation progresses, General Salamanca and his son have remained silent, denying any involvement in the scandal. However, the increasing amount of evidence and testimonies suggests a corruption web that could shake the foundations of the National Police.
Andrés Vanegas Fernández, with his network of connections and hidden interests, appears to be a central figure in this scandal, which not only calls into question the integrity of the institution but also highlights the urgent need for reforms in the Police’s contracting processes and transparency.
