Colombia's outgoing President, Gustavo Petro, is embroiled in a fresh corruption controversy just days before stepping down, as reported by EFE on Monday.
The scandal involves sisters Juliana and Verónica Guerrero, who are accused of orchestrating an influence-peddling network to secure public contracts in exchange for payments from business figures.
According to a report by the magazine Semana, the operation had three stages: an initial fee of one million pesos (approximately $315) for a meeting with Juliana Guerrero, a 200 million pesos advance (around $65,520) to initiate the process, and a 10% commission on the value of the awarded contracts. Allegedly implicated entities include the ministries of Housing, Interior, Equality, Environment, and Defense, alongside Fiduagraria and the National Land Agency.
Juliana Guerrero's Controversial Role
At 23, Juliana Guerrero, who lacks a valid university degree, had already sparked controversy within the government. Petro introduced her in a televised cabinet meeting as a prospective deputy minister of Youth, stating, "Juliana is somewhat young, let's say, but very active, rebellious, like the youths who helped us win the election."
The appointment never materialized after it was uncovered that she had presented a fake university degree from the San José University Foundation. In February 2026, she faced charges of procedural fraud and ideological falsification in a public document by the Prosecutor's Office. Despite this, Guerrero remained affiliated with the executive branch, backed by Petro.
Allegations and Immediate Fallout
The controversy intensified on Sunday when Angie Rodríguez, head of the Adaptation Fund and a former close associate of Petro, disclosed on RCN News that she had personally warned the president about Guerrero's influence in the government. Rodríguez claimed to be "the only official who alerted the president about this situation" and revealed there was a decree to remove Guerrero from her role as the presidential representative on the board of the Popular University of Cesar, a document Petro never signed.
In response, Petro swiftly ordered Rodríguez's dismissal, labeling her a "major manipulator" and a "psychiatric patient," while accusing the media of "perversion." He expressed via his social media account, "I don't understand a press that doesn't verify who they're interviewing and disrespects even patients. Angie is a great manipulator who sees public service for her own benefit, and I regret having met her."
Investigation and Denial
Regarding the corruption allegations, Petro completely distanced himself, asserting that if businesspeople gave money in exchange for supposed contract facilitation, they "gave money as fools," and if proven, it would be a scam by individuals, not his administration's actions.
On Monday, the Prosecutor's Office launched a formal investigation to determine if the Guerrero sisters were part of an influence-peddling network. Juliana Guerrero denied any wrongdoing, stating, "I have never received money."
This case adds to a series of scandals that plagued Petro's government from 2022 to 2026, including the charges against former ministers Ricardo Bonilla and Luis Fernando Velasco for an alleged deal to hand out contracts to legislators in exchange for political support, and the sanctions imposed by the United States on Petro and his family in October 2025 for alleged irregular connections.
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, set to take office on August 7, has called for security assurances for Angie Rodríguez following her dismissal, marking one of the initial responses from the incoming administration to the scandal.
Key Questions on Gustavo Petro's Latest Scandal
Who are the main figures involved in the controversy surrounding Gustavo Petro?
The scandal primarily involves Juliana and Verónica Guerrero, accused of running an influence-peddling network, and Angie Rodríguez, who alerted Petro about the issue.
What institutions are allegedly implicated in the corruption scheme?
The ministries of Housing, Interior, Equality, Environment, and Defense, as well as Fiduagraria and the National Land Agency, are reportedly involved.
What has been the response of the Colombian government to these allegations?
In response, Petro dismissed Angie Rodríguez and denied any government involvement, stating it was a scam by individuals if proven.