Mayors of Colombia investigated for alleged overpricing of contracts during coronavirus pandemic

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Amazon in Colombia, defenselessness against the coronavirus? 2:34

(CNN Spanish) - Ten mayors in Colombia must respond to indications of multiple crimes, including the alleged price premium in contracts to face the coronavirus pandemic.

In a joint press conference, the Office of the Prosecutor, the Attorney General's Office and the Comptroller's Office stated that at least 21% of the health and food kit contracts to deal with the covid-19 pandemic had cost overruns.

So far, according to Francisco Barbosa, Colombia's attorney general, there are six people detained, including two mayors. The authorities assure that there will be more arrests.

Positive cases of covid-19 registered in security personnel of the Colombian presidency

At the moment it is unknown if the detained mayors have legal representation or how they declare themselves before the charges. Requests for information sent by CNN to the regional authorities have not been answered.

The comptroller general, Felipe Córdoba, added that Andrés Gómez, mayor of Sincelejo in the department of Sucre, in northern Colombia, has been suspended while the investigation is ongoing.

Gómez defended himself against the accusations on Twitter and said that he is "a person who respects the Constitution and the laws, and for this reason I will abide by the decisions made by the control entities in the face of the process that is being brought before me."

He added that "as a citizen I also want this case to be clarified for the good of the city of Sincelejo."

Those investigated also included various administrative officials and contractors.

In addition, in these investigations the governors of San Andrés Islas, Guaviare and Arauca have been summoned for questioning, said the Prosecutor's Office.

None of the officials has responded to messages sent by CNN seeking comment. They had also not spoken publicly on the internet and social networks.

Surcharge in masks

The comptroller general, Felipe Córdoba, reported at the press conference that a procedure of fiscal responsibility was opened against two officials of the Colombian National Navy and a contractor company for the alleged purchase of masks at irregular prices.

Córdoba explained that they suspect the “possible 100% cost overrun for the purchase of 1,322,700 mouth guards by the Colombian Navy”.

The Colombian Navy has not yet made a public statement and has not responded to CNN's request for comment.

Corruption in Colombia