politics
May 9, 2026
'Chiquito Malo', head of the Clan del Golfo wanted for extradition by the US, among those benefiting from suspension of arrests
By order of President Gustavo Petro, the National Government requested the suspension of new arrest warrants against 29 members of the Clan del Golfo, including Giovanni de Jesús Ávila Villadiego, known as alias Chiquito Malo, considered one of the most dangerous criminals in the country and wanted for extradition by the United States.
TL;DR
- The National Government, by order of President Gustavo Petro, requested the suspension of new arrest warrants for 29 Clan del Golfo members.
- Among those included is Giovanni de Jesús Ávila Villadiego, alias Chiquito Malo, considered a highly dangerous criminal and wanted for extradition by the United States.
- Chiquito Malo allegedly assumed leadership after 'Otoniel' and is accused of ordering police assassinations, extortions, and forced displacements.
- The Prosecutor General's Office must decide whether to accept the government's request, which is causing intense political and legal debate.
- The Clan del Golfo, designated a terrorist organization by the US, operates in numerous municipalities and disputes illicit economies in 17 departments, with a reported increase in its armed members.
- The inclusion of Chiquito Malo has drawn criticism due to his ongoing investigations for homicide, drug trafficking, and recruitment of minors, as well as new charges from the US for narcoterrorism.
- The timing of this measure, less than a month before elections, has raised questions about benefits granted to illegal groups and their political impact.