Carlos Carrillo, the current director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd), expressed his outrage on July 24, 2024, regarding a public apology letter from Sneyder Pinilla, the former deputy director of risk management. Pinilla admitted his involvement in a corruption scheme and stated he would return $292 million.
Speaking from Bucaramanga, where he attended the second Departmental Meeting of Mayors and Social Managers, Carrillo found Pinilla’s offer to return such a sum to be belittling. He characterized the amount as an insult, especially given the context of the corruption scandal. Pinilla’s deal with the Attorney General’s Office involved him serving five years in military custody in exchange for the financial restitution.
Carrillo expressed disappointment, remarking, “The best way to apologize is by returning the money that was stolen. I was moved, thinking it was $290 billion he would return. But when I saw it was just $292 million, I realized that’s what they would spend on a party. It’s an insult to Colombians to say he would return such a minuscule amount. If these individuals truly intend to make amends, they must repay the money they took.”
He urged the Attorney General’s Office to rigorously pursue investigations into this case and to hold all accomplices accountable. Carrillo, who took the helm at the Ungrd on March 11, replaced Olmedo López.
In his communication with the judge scheduled to preside over his upcoming indictment hearing, Pinilla expressed remorse for his actions as a public servant. He vowed to cooperate fully and provide valuable information to help uncover the network that misappropriated emergency funds.
While reflecting on his involvement, he noted, “I was the first to raise my hand, amidst thousands of criticisms, accusations, and threats, I stood my ground because I am speaking the truth. I will prove it with evidence! Today, I regret what I did; I know I will lose my freedom, and I accept that I will lose my wealth. But I plead for forgiveness from my family and society.”
Pinilla confessed that members of Congress had been coerced into participating in the corruption scheme in exchange for contracts and money, acting under instructions from senior government officials. “At my boss’s direction, we bribed congressmen and offered gifts to high-ranking officials,” he said, seeking divine forgiveness.
It is also worth noting that Olmedo López, Pinilla’s former superior, voiced concerns on the same day, fearing for his safety amid threats related to his revelations about the scandal. López highlighted the considerable danger he felt, declaring, “I am scared because I know that the powerful want to silence me. They fear the truth we decided to reveal.” He underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures for himself and his family due to the intensity of the accusations he made against various state officials and politicians.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2024/07/24/carlos-carrillo-se-despacho-contra-sneyder-pinilla-por-dinero-que-devolvera-en-el-caso-ungrd/
