Debtors owe the Colombian state $9.2 billion in unpaid fines and financial penalties issued by the justice system, Caracol Radio reported Thursday.
According to a report from the Executive Department of Justice Administration, as of December 31, 2010, the state was owed $9.242 billion from unpaid fines and financial sanctions issued as a result of criminal and civil proceedings.
Ten extradited, former paramilitary commanders owe the state more than $164 million while members of the FARC high command owe close to $27 million for fines from 77 convictions.
Magistrate Alvaro Jose Trejos of the High Court of Manizales said that the money is difficult to obtain because the majority of those fined are financially insolvent or are unable to pay from prison.
The director of the Justice Administration in Manizales, Andres Higuera said that the money is to be recuperated by means of commissioned lawyers. The lawyers are to work throughout the country especially in areas that were majorly affected by the armed conflict where substantial fines and financial penalties were issued.
The money is destined for the training of the judiciary and the purchase of equipment for judiciary offices.