Minister and ex-Minister investigated for subsidy scandal

Colombia’s Inspector General launched an inquiry against the country’s Minister and former Minister of Agriculture for their alleged involvement in the possibly irregular distribution of grants.

The Inspector General, Alejandro Ordoñez, stated that for the last 15 days his office had been assessing the collection of relevant information in order to establish the extent of the alleged irregularities. His Office is also investigating the implication of the current and former Minister of Agriculture and six other Ministry officials in the scandal surrounding the distribution of the agricultural grants, reported newspaper El Espectador on Tuesday.

Controversy arose in September when it emerged that agricultural subsidies had been granted to certain companies and prominent Colombian families, while the subsidy was meant to stimulate equality in competition in the agricultural sector.

According to Colombian media, staff from the relevent State departments are expected to be called forward to give evidence regarding the scandal cases.

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