Exclusive Interview: Former UNGRD Deputy Director Allegedly Used State Funds to Bribe Colombian Officials

In an exclusive interview with Semana magazine, Snyder Pinilla, the former deputy director of UNGRD, revealed that he used state funds to pay bribes to high-ranking officials in the Colombian government. Pinilla claims that he used UNGRD money to pay 3,000 million pesos and 1,000 million pesos in cash to Senator Iván Name and House of Representatives President Andrés Calle in exchange for their support of social reforms presented by the government.

The source states that the funds were supposed to come from a contractor tasked with purchasing tanker trucks for water supply in La Guajira but failed due to technical issues. Pinilla also implicated other officials, including the former director of UNGRD, the Minister of the Interior, and an advisor for the Regions.

The Presidency of Colombia responded by issuing a statement condemning corruption and ordered an investigation into misuse of public resources with support from the United States Embassy. Pinilla’s defense attorney stated that he is willing to return any embezzled money.

Following Pinilla’s revelations, calls were made for Sandra Ortiz’s resignation as advisor for the Regions and further investigations into corruption allegations. While President Name and other accused officials continue to deny these allegations and defend their integrity in public service, investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of this corruption scandal and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.