Money smuggled in Itagüí prison belongs to Ernesto Báez

Colombia’s Justice Vice Minister Guillermo Reyes told Caracol Radio most of the COP$11 million (€4,000, US$5,800) found in Itagüí maximum security prison, along with weapons, drugs, and alcohol, belong to former United Self-defence Forces of Colombia (AUC) chief Iván Roberto Duque, best known as Ernesto Báez.

Reyes added that Ernesto Báez claims the money was administrated by him but that belonged to the 39 former paramilitaries, prisoners at the prison’s wing one, as part of a "common fund," in order to pay for their food and other services. Still, according to Mr Reyes, that violates Colombia’s prison rules.

The money was found by guardians of the prison on Wednesday, prompting an investigation from Colombia’s prison authority INPEC. On Thursday, president Álvaro Uribe said those former paramilitaries who turn out to be involved in the smuggling will be deprived from the benefits of the so-called Justice and Peace Law, the legal framework for AUC demobilization, and they will face extradition if they’re being required by the U. S. authorities.

Though Ernesto Báez is not in the list, he still could face charges in Colombia. On Friday morning, William Brownfield, U. S. ambassador to Colombia, told Caracol Radio Mr Duque could be required by American authorities and that its government is evaluating the case.

[Updated 13:35 COT]

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