Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia Faces Investigation Over Alleged Illicit Enrichment

Laura Sarabia, a key figure in Gustavo Petro’s team and currently Minister of Foreign Affairs, is now under a judicial investigation launched by the Supreme Court of Justice over allegations of illicit enrichment, influence peddling, and money laundering. The inquiry also includes her brother, Andrés Sarabia, whose sudden wealth has raised questions.

The case comes from a formal complaint filed in June 2024 by the ‘Red de Veedurías Ciudadanas,’ a citizen oversight network. On May 9, 2025, the Delegate Prosecutor before the Supreme Court of Justice officially opened an investigation into the matter, according to the Medellín daily El Colombiano. Initial steps included gathering documentation verifying Sarabia’s constitutional protections as a high-ranking government official, such as her appointment decrees and income records from 2022 to date.

The scrutiny focuses exclusively on Sarabia’s time in public office under President Gustavo Petro. This includes her roles at the Department for Social Prosperity (2023), as Director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency (Dapre) in 2024, and now as Foreign Minister.

The network’s complaint questions the source of the family’s wealth, particularly that of Andrés Sarabia. The group alleges that within less than two years, he went from living simply to building a fortune, driving luxury cars, traveling in private jets, and moving to a high-end apartment in Bogotá’s Parque de la 93 sector. This sudden lifestyle change and alleged connections to high-level figures indicate possible misuse of influence linked to his sister’s positions in government, according to the complaint.

There are also concerns about Consulting S.A.S., a consulting company allegedly formed with only $6 million COP in capital—less than $1,500 USD as of the date of publication. The company was registered electronically by Laura Sarabia, her husband Andrés Fernando Parra, and her brother. However, the business was placed solely under her husband’s name, allowing Sarabia to avoid disclosing her indirect ties in official declarations during her public service tenure.

Sarabia’s attorney, Lina Sandoval, posted a video on X defending the minister and questioning the motives of her accusers. “Can those attacking her justify their own wealth and expenses? I doubt it,” Sandoval said, adding that more evidence would be presented in court by June 9. That date also marks hearings related to another case in which Sarabia is testifying against Minister Armando Benedetti for alleged violence against women.

#NoLeTaparánLaBoca
¿Pueden quienes la atacan justificar su patrimonio y sus gastos? LO DUDO. El 9 de junio continuaremos.

Laura Sarabia ha puesto a disposición de la Fiscalía toda su información financiera, patrimonial y fiscal. No tiene nada que ocultar. En su contra no existen… pic.twitter.com/O2RoO1m4aP

— Lina Sandoval Echavarría (@SandovalLina) May 9, 2025

Meanwhile, tensions have reportedly risen within the government, as the rumors of friction between Sarabia and President Petro grow. A recent disagreement was visible over recent foreign policy differences, when with a post on X Sarabia congratulated Daniel Noboa election as President of Ecuador, while Petro questioned the legitimacy of Noboa’s election in his own account of this social media platform. Sarabia denied any rift, stating during a speech commemorating her first 100 days as Foreign Minister, that she maintains “good communication” with the president despite divergent views. As the investigation progresses, the case highlights broader concerns over transparency and the concentration of political power within families closely tied to Colombia’s government. For now, both Sarabia and the president deny any misconduct, but the coming weeks may determine whether the allegations gain traction or are dismissed as politically motivated.

Felicitamos al nuevo presidente de la República del Ecuador, @DanielNoboaOk. El hermano pueblo de Ecuador puede siempre contar con Colombia para trabajar juntos por una América Latina libre, soberana y en paz.

— Laura Sarabia (@laurisarabia) April 15, 2025

Headline photo: Laura Sarabia (Photo: Cancillería de Colombia)