Colombia’s former President Alvaro Uribe admitted Sunday to receiving “help” from U.S. coal company Drummond while in office.
Although direct payments from Drummond to Uribe’s lawyer remain unconfirmed, in an interview Sunday with news broadcast Noticias Uno ex-president Uribe admitted to accepting unspecified “help” from the American coal giant.
The murky ties between Uribe and Drummond came to light two years ago when Uribe was subpoenaed as a witness to Drummond’s alleged paramilitary ties with paramilitary organization AUC.
The ex-president however received immunity from testifying last year while being defended by prominent lawyer Gregory Craig whose legal fees are speculated to be paid for by Drummond.
Uribe did not confirm or deny when directly asked whether Drummond paid Gregory Craig but stated that “if Drummond offers help, I accept.”
Drummond is facing a lawsuit by families of unionists who worked for Drummond until they were murdered by paramilitary groups.