Chief of police probed over ‘male prostitution ring’
An investigation is to be launched into the creation of a male prostitution ring.
Colombia’s prosecutor general says he will open a ‘disciplinary investigation’ against the country’s chief of police, Gen Rodolfo Palomino over the alleged creation of a male prostitution ring.
The general is also under investigation for alleged ‘illicit enrichment’ and ‘conducting illegal wiretaps’.
Despite the charges he may face, Rodolfo welcomed the probe, which he said he knew would clear his name.
“I hope that the justice system can restore the dignity which has been taken from me through lies and infamy,” he said in a statement.
The investigation was sparked after a police captain alleged that he had been abused by higher-ranking officers during his time in training.
Prosecutor general Alejandro Ordonez said that allegation had been backed up by a complaint by a now retired police captain.
According to the complaint, young male police cadets were forced and threatened into having sex with higher-ranking officers.
Mr Ordonez said that according to the testimony gathered by his office, a senator had also allegedly been implicated in the prostitution ring – aptly named the “Community of the Ring”.
He also said that the alleged incidents had taken place “with the help and complicity of police officials, including the director general [Rodolfo Palomino]”.
Police officers also allegedly tapped the phones of journalists investigating the scandal.
However, General Palomino has strongly denied any wrongdoing, claiming he has been set up.
He says the allegations are a political vendetta designed to drive him out of office.
