Gustavo Petro Denounces International Network Using Public Funds to Discredit His Government

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused an international network of using public funds from Medellín and mafia resources to promote a campaign against his government. He claimed that the network operated through a digital platform called Petroleaks, which disseminated false information via 'bots', false profiles, and paid people to manipulate social media users and influence public debate. Petro identified Juan Ricardo Palacio Escobar and Italian citizen Andrea Baggio as the masterminds behind Petroleaks, alleging that the platform was managed by companies with operations in several countries. Petro also linked the network to political figures and public entities, including the Centro Democrático party and the governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón. He presented evidence to the Attorney General's Office and accused the network of tax evasion and money laundering.