Medellín, Colombia — Authorities in Medellín have taken a significant step in their fight against organized crime by apprehending an attorney allegedly linked to an extensive network of real estate purportedly associated with drug trafficking. Enrique Leon Machado, the attorney in question, was arrested by police after a raid uncovered more than 1,000 properties he supposedly managed for the Special Assets Society (SAE), the agency responsible for overseeing confiscated assets from drug traffickers.
The SAE reported that Machado resided in a luxury home previously registered to a front man connected to the paramilitary group EGC. During the operation, investigators also discovered documents containing real estate registration numbers and detailed records of SAE employees, including their roles within the organization. These documents, according to the SAE, were classified, prompting the agency to request a thorough investigation into how they came into Machado’s possession.
Amelia Perez, director of the SAE, articulated the agency’s mission to transform assets once used for illegal activities into beneficial opportunities for Colombian communities and the nation as a whole. This incident raises serious questions about internal security and the integrity of the agency’s operations.
President Gustavo Petro weighed in on the situation, stating that Machado served as a trusted lawyer for Juan Diego Gomez, a former senator and controversial figure within the Conservative Party. Petro accused Gomez of orchestrating a “parallel SAE,” claiming that during former President Ivan Duque’s administration, confiscated properties were manipulated for political gain, allowing political and business elites to exploit these assets for bargaining purposes.
Petro further suggested that Machado was among several intermediaries for powerful politicians and drug traffickers. He referenced concerns over Gomez’s growing influence prior to his departure from Congress in 2022, where it was alleged that Gomez had ties to former cartel members and controlled vast real estate holdings in Medellín.
In response, Gomez firmly denied any affiliation with Machado, stating on the social media platform X that he had never met the attorney and asserting that Machado was not representing him. He criticized Petro for what he termed as the use of gossip to target political opponents.
The unfolding situation underscores the intricate connections between politics, law enforcement, and illicit activities in Colombia. As the investigation progresses, many are watching closely to understand the implications for governance and accountability within the country.
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