Colombian president's son indicted on corruption charges

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BOGOTÁ — The son of Colombian President Gustavo Petro was indicted Monday on six charges related to corruption during his time as a lawmaker.

Nicolas Petro, aged 39, faces trial for illicit enrichment and money laundering.

He allegedly received money from a former drug trafficker during his father's 2022 presidential campaign.

The eldest son of Colombia's first leftist president was arrested in mid-2023 but allowed to defend himself under conditional release.

Now, he faces new charges for embezzlement and document forgery related to a state contract.

The case is linked to a contract aimed at helping the elderly and children with disabilities. Prosecutors say the funds were diverted.

The initial accusation came from his ex-wife, Daysuris Vasquez, who denounced him after an affair.

She claimed Petro received cash from Samuel Santander Lopesierra, convicted of drug trafficking in the United States.

Petro junior admitted receiving the money but said it was not used for his campaign.

He insists his father was unaware of the financial dealings.

Donald Trump has accused Gustavo Petro of being a drug trafficker and imposed financial sanctions on him and his family, including Nicolas.

Nicolas Petro was not at Monday's court hearing in person. His lawyer says he lacks the money to buy plane tickets, due to US sanctions.