For the first time since their extradition to the U.S., former Cali cartel heads Miguel and Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela have agreed to cooperate with the Colombian justice system.
The Rodriguez brothers sent letters to Colombia’s Prosecutor General, via their American lawyers, volunteering to testify in one of the most important dossiers about the money laundering unit, reported news site La Fm Tuesday.
This investigation began in Colombia regarding the Rodriguezes’ alleged laundering of more than US$1 billion through some 50 companies which they had managed to hide in their surrender agreement with U.S. authorities.
When this concealment of assets was discovered, the prosecution ordered the arrest of 35 people, including Gilberto Rodriguez’s three children and sister.
According to letters dated between October 7 and 29, released by La Fm, the Rodriguezes state “freely and voluntarily it is our desire to testify and allow you as our lawyer to proceed with developments related to our actions.” The letters have alllegedly been individually signed by both brothers.
La Fm reported that Colombia’s PG’s office has begun preparations to hear the testimonies of both Rodriguezes as soon as possible.
Sources close to the brothers claim that the former Cali cartel bosses intend to provide authorities with all the information they need about who was involved in their activities.
Both brothers were extradited to the U.S. in 2005 and made an agreement with the authorities to surrender all information regarding their assets so long as no lawsuits were started against their children. However, two former accountants for the cartel revealed the involvement of Rodriguez family members in their illegal multi-million dollar empire.
On June 26 Gilberto Rodriguez’ three children were sentenced to 50 months in prison.