Interior Minister Armando Benedetti was involved in a heated confrontation with Luis Carlos Reyes, former director of the National Tax and Customs Directorate (Dian), after the former official proposed the minister’s resignation as part of a series of measures to end the illegal economy in President Gustavo Petro’s government.
This tense episode took place on social networks, where both attacked each other violently, demonstrating a confrontation full of accusations and disqualifications.
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The dispute began when, following President Petro’s allegations of mafia infiltration of the Dian, Reyes proposed in his X report a series of measures to eliminate corruption and mafias in the state apparatus. The company’s former director suggested a “cleaning” of the cabinet and mentioned several officials, including Benedetti himself.
In his message, Reyes assured: “Mr. President, in order to remove illegal economies from the state, it is now crucial to demand the resignation of Armando Benedetti. Remove Roy Barreras from the Frente Amplio, condemn Ricardo Bonilla’s complicity in the events for which he is going to prison today and call on the Public Prosecutor’s Office to launch a thorough investigation into Andrea Ramírez.
Reyes made it clear in his message that mafias and criminal structures linked to smuggling and money laundering continue to operate in the Treasury Department and in the congressional economic commissions; This statement was a direct blow to the credibility of the government, which is in an almost irreversible crisis following the corruption scandals.
Faced with these statements, Minister Benedetti reacted decisively on the same digital platform and did not hesitate to launch a fierce attack on Reyes: “You can tell you’ve had a sense of self since you were a kid. You’re a criminal, according to what Papa Smurf said.”are on her and Papaya’s payroll. “You have been and are being infiltrated by the smugglers of this country, led by your friend Alexandra Rizo Arango and your ‘best friend’, Helena María Hernández.”
“In addition to all this, there are affidavits against you, on the contrary, I have NO criminal who speaks against me,” said Benedetti, once again showing his challenging style.
The minister added that Reyes’ accusations were unfounded and had no basis in reality, since, in his opinion, a statement by Diego Marín, known as “Papá Smurf”, the “smuggling czar”, highlighted Luis Carlos Reyes as a key actor of corruption within the Dian. This statement, according to Benedetti, brought Reyes into serious conflict with the smuggling mafias that have been operating in Colombia for years.
However, Reyes did not remain silent and in a new publication, the company’s former director responded with a more reserved, although equally firm, stance: “There is no point in continuing a discussion if the only arguments on your part are insults and unfounded statements.” What a waste of time for anyone reading it.”.
The dispute did not end there and Minister Benedetti, always known for his controversial nature and challenging tone, ended the confrontation with a final release full of sarcasm.
In his final message, Benedetti, alluding to the holiday spirit and tone of the discussion, wrote: “These are not insults, you are confident and this has been your reality since you were little. And an affidavit in which Papa Smurf talks about you is a description of your criminal side.” And I have more data! I’ll get them for you next year. Merry Christmas (sic),” making it clear that he was unwilling to continue a conversation he felt was out of place.
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