The Inspector General’s Office on Monday called Bogota mayor Samuel Moreno for questioning about alleged corruption within his administration, local media reported Monday.
Moreno and 18 other government officials will have to respond to allegations that public works were fraudulently granted to companies in exchange for payment.
The Prosecutor General’s Office, which is in charge of disciplinary investigations against public officials, also ordered an investigation of the Bogota mayor’s brother, Senator Ivan Moreno, for involvement in the corruption scandal.
The Bogota mayor came under fire after he was accused by businessman Miguel Nule and fellow-Polo Democratico member Gustavo Petro of receiving a commission for public works granted to the Nule Group. Moreno denies the allegations and has asked the authorities for a formal investigation.
Polo Democratico called on its members to distance themselves from Petro and other dissident members of the socialist party and to support Moreno. According to party president Claudia Lopez, Petro is dedicated to destroying the party. “I know that he has done everything possible so that we fall for this temptation and into that trap, but we are not going to do him that favor,” Lopez told press.
The socialist leader said her party will await the results of the investigations against the Bogota mayor.
