‘Los mecánicos’, ‘Tuta’ and 9 members of ‘Carman International’ fell for crimes against the oil sector
Ricardo Roa, president of Ecopetrol, and Pedro Sánchez, Minister of Defense, reveal the blows against criminals in the oil sector. Photo: Courtesy: Ecopetrol
TL;DR
- Criminals were involved in hydrocarbon appropriation, illegal refining, and theft of critical industry assets.
- Operations took place in Bolívar, Meta, Casanare, Cesar, and Norte de Santander.
- Financial losses for Ecopetrol amount to nearly US$81 million due to the theft of over 950,000 barrels of hydrocarbons between 2025 and early 2026.
- The organization led by 'Tuta' from the ELN, which appropriated hydrocarbons from the Pozos Colorados - Galán pipeline, was dismantled, resulting in three arrests.
- Carman International S.A.S. in Cartagena was raided for allegedly operating as an illegal refining center for stolen crude oil from the Caño Limón - Coveñas pipeline.
- The 'Los Mecánicos' criminal organization in Meta and Casanare, involved in copper cable theft and other oil industry components, was dismantled with 11 arrests and three indictments.
- Officials emphasized the importance of joint efforts between law enforcement, state entities, and industry companies to combat these criminal activities.