The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal inquiry into Colombian President Gustavo Petro over alleged connections to drug traffickers, according to a report published on Friday. Authorities in the United States are said to be examining the matter through multiple prosecutorial offices.
Officials familiar with the inquiry told reporters that at least two U.S. federal prosecutor's offices have begun looking into the allegations. Those probes are being handled by the U.S. attorney's offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn, which are focusing on two lines of inquiry: whether President Petro held meetings with individuals involved in drug trafficking and whether his 2022 presidential campaign received financial contributions from such actors.
Petro has consistently denied any involvement with illegal actors. His denials have been reiterated since news of the inquiries emerged.
The developments come as Colombia approaches a presidential election scheduled for May. President Petro is not eligible to run again and is due to leave office in August. Among the leading candidates in the race is Senator Iván Cepeda, who is described as an ally of Petro.
Observers note that Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump have had a history of clashes, though reports indicate their relationship showed signs of improvement after a meeting earlier this year.
Context and next steps
The current inquiries are criminal in nature and are being pursued by federal prosecutor's offices in two U.S. jurisdictions. Investigators are reported to be gathering evidence related to alleged meetings and potential campaign financing ties. Details remain limited publicly, and officials have not announced any charges.
Questions stemming from the inquiries include whether investigators will establish a link between Petro and traffickers and how any findings might affect Colombia's political environment as the country moves toward its May presidential election.