Colombia’s defense minister wants authorities to investigate the judge who ordered the release of Medellin mafia boss Alirio de Jesus Rendon, alias “El Cebollero.”
The underworld figure and alleged leader of the Oficina de Envigado was released from prison and put under house arrest Friday because of health reasons.
In an interview with Caracol Radio, Defense Minister Rodrigo Rivera said the release was “very suspicious.” “I believe they [the reasons to release El Cebollero] should immediately be investigated by his superiors,” Rivera said.
El Cebollero was released after having served 3/5th of his sentence, after which a judge reviews the good behavior of a prisoner and can decide to grant him parole.
Authorities suspect that prior to his arrest, El Cebollero was the successor of alias “Don Berna,” who was considered the godfather of Oficina de Envigado until his 2008 extradition to the United States.
El Cebollero, however, insists that he was just a very successful onion salesman.