A major funder of Medellin criminal group the “Office of Envigado,” Alirio de Jesus Rendon Hurtado, alias “El Cebollero,” (The Onion Seller) was sentenced Tuesday to four years and two months in prison.
El Cebollero was sentenced to 50 months in jail after admitting he had financed criminal organisation “La Union,” which is linked to the bigger paramilitary group known as the Office of Envigado, reports El Tiempo. Based in Medellin, it is thought to be responsible for many murders and forced displacements.
After surrendering in May 2009, El Cebollero had denied his involvement in illegal activities until March. He originally faced 75 months in jail, but was given a reduced sentence in exchange for his confession.
Starting as a vegetable seller, El Cebollero ended up supporting armed groups active in the “Central Mayorista” wholesale market and in Envigado, while extending his control on liquor distribution.
Other members of the same criminal network were also sentenced on Tuesday.