Abelardo de la Espriella authorizes the extradition of five members of armed groups to the United States
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella officially authorized this Wednesday the extradition to the United States of five individuals linked to various criminal organizations. These subjects had previously been designated as peace negotiators during the Gustavo Petro administration, a status that had until now kept their surrender processes in suspense.
The measure responds to the current Government’s stance of not granting benefits that hinder the actions of international justice regarding serious crimes. According to the president, after a detailed review of each profile, no evidence of real contributions or tangible results was found to justify their participation in pacification processes.
Profiles requested by the US justice system
Individuals wanted by U.S. authorities face federal charges for high-complexity crimes, most notably drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit a crime, money laundering, illegal possession of weapons, and narco-terrorism. The list of those subject to extradition includes key figures from dissident and paramilitary groups:
- Geovanny Andrés Rojas, alias Araña, leader of the FARC dissident group (CNEB).
- Willinton Henao Gutiérrez, alias Mocho Olmedo, member of the General Staff of Blocks and Fronts (EMBF).
- Carmen Evelio Castillo, alias Muñeca, top leader of the Conquistador Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN).
- Gabriel Yepes Mejía, alias HH, leader of an ELN dissident group.
- Fredy Castillo Carrillo, alias Pinocho, member of the ACSN.
I have ordered the effective extradition to the United States of America of five citizens, whose extraditions had already been granted by the National Government during the year 2025, but whose surrender remained suspended due to the participation of these individuals as representatives in various processes, roundtables, or spaces for dialogue advanced by the previous administration.
Abelardo de la Espriella, President of Colombia
It should be noted that, while some of those involved are in the custody of the authorities, others such as Yepes Mejía and Castillo Carrillo remain fugitives from justice.
The end of a questioned policy
This decision marks a turning point regarding the total peace policy implemented in the previous period, which was harshly criticized for the lack of concrete results and the increase in violence in various parts of the national territory. De la Espriella has reiterated on multiple occasions, since taking office on August 7, that his administration will distance itself from the concessions and generous offers that characterized the failed approaches with groups such as the ELN and the FARC dissidents.
