Former senators Elías and Besaile captured for corruption in the Fonade case in Colombia.

This Friday morning was marked by the capture of former senators Bernardo Miguel Elías, popularly known as "Ñoño," and Musa Besaile, as confirmed by the Supreme Court of Justice. This arrest comes as a result of the sentence both politicians received for their involvement in irregularities related to the Financial Fund for Development Projects (Fonade) during the government of Juan Manuel Santos. The sentences imposed on Elías and Besaile, of 39 and 32 months in prison respectively, were enacted after the ruling was confirmed on appeal. Both former congressmen have a long history of corruption that has characterized their political careers. Elías, originally from Sahagún, Córdoba, has been a controversial figure, known for having received bribes from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht while serving as a senator. In a surprising twist, last year, Elías was welcomed as a hero in his hometown after being released from prison due to his involvement in this scandal. Despite his crimes, many in his community expressed a sense of pride, stating that "he's a thief, but he stole for us." This situation reflects the complexity of politics in Colombia, where local loyalty sometimes overshadows the legal implications of their leaders' actions. On the other hand, Musa Besaile has also been embroiled in several scandals. Known for his ties to paramilitary groups, at the time of his capture, Besaile was enjoying a house arrest measure. In a public confession, he admitted to defrauding the health system through a scheme known as the "hemophilia cartel." These backgrounds highlight not only the severity of their crimes but also a persistent pattern of corruption in Colombian politics. The Fonade case, in which both former senators are implicated, is related to Juan Manuel Santos's election as president in 2014. According to the court's ruling, Elías and Besaile used their influence to benefit political allies in the awarding of contracts, underscoring the clientelism that has plagued the country's political system. The management of Fonade became a tool for distributing "marmalade," a term that refers to budget allocations granted in exchange for political support. The court has indicated that Alfredo Bula Dumar, president of Fonade at the time, was appointed at the behest of Elías and Besaile. This fact underscores how administrative decisions can be influenced by personal and political interests rather than being guided by the public good. The repercussions of this case could extend beyond the imprisonment of these former senators, as the ruling mentions other politicians who may have been involved. One name that has emerged in this context is Armando Benedetti, who was Gustavo Petro's campaign manager in the 2022 elections. Benedetti currently serves as ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The inclusion of his name in this corruption web further fuels speculation about the magnitude of the irregularities and the possible complicity of other political actors in the national arena. The expectation is that Elías and Besaile, upon returning to prison, may collaborate with the authorities and provide evidence that helps clarify the involvement of other politicians in this case. If both decide to cooperate, their testimonies could open the door to a broader corruption network that has permeated various spheres of government and disillusioned the Colombian public. Public reaction to these arrests has been mixed. While some celebrate the judicial system's action as a step toward justice, others express skepticism regarding the institutions' ability to eradicate systemic corruption in the country. This feeling of distrust toward the judicial and political system reflects a deeper problem that has persisted for decades in Colombia. In conclusion, the capture of Bernardo Elías and Musa Besaile represents a crucial moment in the fight against corruption in Colombia. However, the lingering question is whether this action will be sufficient to bring about meaningful change in a system where corruption has been deeply entrenched. Society hopes that justice will not only fall upon these individuals but will also extend to others involved, creating a precedent that encourages transparency and ethics in Colombian politics.