Dynasty patriarch facing charges after exposing 'the system' behind Colombia's democracy

[Judi Lynn]

by Adriaan Alsema September 26, 2019

The political dynasty that has controlled Colombia’s port city Cartagena as if it were family property is in trouble after the family patriarch was recorded explaining how to get rich through rigging elections.

In the phone calls that were leaked to W Radio, family patriarch Vicente Blel discussed kickbacks and vote-buying, and complained his city’s impoverished black lower class is “too lazy to work,” which is driving up the cost of corrupting democracy.

Acting Prosecutor General Fabio Espitia on Wednesday announced criminal investigations against Blel and the current governor of Bolivar, Dumek Turbay, that could include Senate president Lidio Garcia.

Prosecutors raided Bolivar’s public works company, Aguas de Bolivar, which is run by Blel’s cousin Miguel Torres. He is also suspected of corruption after he too was recorded talking about kickbacks.

. . .

The latest disgrace of a disgraced dynasty
In the phone calls revealed by W Radio, Blel openly reveals how “the system” works; private contractors provide the funds to buy votes and are granted government contracts once one of Blel’s henchmen is put in power, thus creating the revolving door that has allowed the convicted criminal’s family to stay in power.

More:
https://colombiareports.com/dynasty-patriarch-facing-charges-after-exposing-the-system-behind-colombias-democracy/