The Childhood and Adolescence Police documented over 900 cases of minors in recurring begging during the investigation. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

The operation, named ‘The Hidden Face of Charity,’ was carried out by Colombian authorities in the city’s Calle 10 area in Poblado and the neighborhoods of Carpinelo, Santa Cruz, and Boston. The detained individuals include both Colombian and Venezuelan nationals.

Authorities launched ‘The Hidden Face of Charity’ operation in Medellín’s Calle 10, Carpinelo, Santa Cruz, and Boston neighborhoods. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

According to a statement from Medellín’s Secretary of Security and Coexistence, the network allegedly used babies as young as one month old and children up to five years of age to solicit money and goods. The operation targeted high-traffic tourist areas, including Parque Lleras and Provenza in El Poblado, where members of the network would approach foreigners to ask for essential items such as milk, diapers, medicine, and food, in addition to cash.

“What they did was exploit girls and boys, even newborns, whom, in many cases, their own mothers handed over to women of Venezuelan nationality to be used in begging activities. They changed their clothes to simulate conditions of greater vulnerability and then approached them, especially tourists, generating pity to receive aid in diapers and milk, which were later sold in the city center,” said Mayor Federico “Fico” Gutiérrez. “None of those resources were actually intended for the children. It was all part of a network set up for economic gain, exploiting minors and deceiving those who, in good faith, believed they were helping.”

The operation targeted tourist spots in El Poblado where the network solicited milk, diapers, medicine, food, and cash from foreigners. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

The investigation, which was a joint effort involving the Fiscalía General de la Nación (Prosecutor General’s Office) and the National Police of Colombia, found that the donated and collected goods were later resold. The network’s activities generated an estimated $180 million Colombian COP (approximately $45,000 USD) per month in revenue from both cash and the resale of products.

The mayor explained that, according to the evidence gathered, it was found, for example, that foreigners bought a case of milk for $250,000 (about $60 USD) at a pharmacy, and the criminals resold it for a lower price elsewhere in the city. Indigenous people were given a commission for allowing their children to be used.

The investigation was a joint effort by Colombia’s Fiscalía General de la Nación and National Police. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Investigators utilized undercover agents, telephone interceptions, and extensive surveillance to gather evidence against the suspects. During the investigation period, the city’s Childhood and Adolescence Police division documented over 900 cases involving the protection of minors found in recurrent begging situations, highlighting the scale of the problem.

Manuel Villa Mejía, the head of the Secretariat of Security and Coexistence for the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, affirmed the city’s commitment to protecting the rights of minors. He stated that the operation was a coordinated action with law enforcement to put an end to criminal practices that were affecting merchants, tourists, and the local community.

The seven captured individuals have been turned over to the Fiscalía General de la Nación to face judicial proceedings. Authorities have indicated that the investigation will continue in an effort to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the exploitation ring and to ensure the restoration of rights for the affected children.

Seven arrested in Medellín for exploiting Embera Katío children in forced begging. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Anyone 15 years of age or older who lives in Medellín, has basic knowledge of digital tools, and has a computer, tablet, or cell phone with an internet connection can apply and access this training opportunity from the comfort of their home. The registration process is carried out through the website arrobamedellin.edu.co.

Applications can be made on the Ciudadela Digital Medellín website at arrobamedellin.edu. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

“With this call for applications, we seek to reach 8,000 beneficiaries and close gaps in access to knowledge. From the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, through Sapiencia, we want more citizens to be prepared for the challenges of the
Fourth Industrial Revolution and to take advantage of the real opportunities that the city offers in terms of employment and entrepreneurship,” said Sapiencia’s general director, Salomón Cruz Zirene.

Among the 15 courses offered, the following stand out: basic English for the tourism sector; Advanced Excel; Report Writing in Business and Organizational Contexts; Lean Startup; Video Game Design; Internet of Things (IoT) and Create Your Own Artificial Intelligence, among others.

“I invite you to be part of Medellín with all the courses, knowledge, meetings, and scholarships available in the city. It’s never too late to learn. Let’s not just say it’s too late to learn,” said Cristian “El Bicho” Álvarez, beneficiary of the Basic English for the Tourism Sector course. Registration will open from 12:00 p.m. on August 4 and
will close on August 15 at 4:00 p.m. Those interested should complete the online form and select their preferred option.

The courses will be held between August 20 and November 20, 2025, using a self-managed methodology through the Digital Citadel Medellín platform.

Photo credit: City of Medellín.

The offering was delivered in three sessions during the semester. The first course had 17,008 enrollments, the second 1,512, exclusively for the public in five district departments, and the third, recently completed, had 29,339 participants, exceeding enrollment expectations in each of them.

“These results demonstrate citizens’ interest in accessing relevant, free, and high-quality training. From the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, through Sapiencia, we continue to open doors so that more people can prepare and take advantage of the opportunities that today’s job market demands,” said Carolina Rendón Arenas, deputy director of post-secondary education management at Sapiencia.

Of the 15 courses offered, the most in-demand were Basic and Intermediate English with 14,173 enrollments; Intermediate and Advanced Excel (8,972); Preparing Businesses for Digital Marketing (3,736); Data Science and Engineering (2,589); Business Intelligence (BI) (2,544); Create Your Own AI (2,468).
Digital Tools and Office Automation (1,827), among others.

Medellín’s Ciudadela Digital (Digital Citadel) will open its next call for applications on August 4 at noon. Three additional free training offerings are planned for the second half of the year. Sapiencia’s goal is to benefit more than 100,000 people throughout the four years with training in digital skills, bilingualism, and creative and cultural industries.

Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Photo courtesy of Medellín Mayor’s office.

Priority was given to vulnerable and special populations, reflecting the commitment to equitable access to training opportunities for employment and life, with an investment of approximately $750,000 USD.

So far, 3,634 people have confirmed their enrollment and began classes on July 15 using a hybrid methodology that combines in-person and virtual learning. To fill the available spaces, a process is underway for the remaining selected applicants, who will begin their training the week of July 22nd and finish classes the week of December 13th.

The program meets the standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Those selected took diagnostic tests for levels A1, A2, B1, or B2, depending on their language proficiency.
Those who did not obtain a place can apply for the August application period for the Digital Citadel Medellín program. The program offers free, 100% virtual modular short courses in basic and intermediate English. This year, 14,173 people have benefited from this Sapiencia training program.

Photos courtesy City of Medellín.

Mayor Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga announced plans for the festival, including 21 musical stages distributed across the city’s 16 communes and five corregimientos, all offering free admission. The Alcaldía de Medellín (Mayor’s Office of Medellín) has allocated $336 million COP (approximately $81,000 USD) for the renewal of attire for 535 silleteros and silleteras—flower farmers who carry elaborate floral arrangements. This update marks the first such renewal since 2017. The new attire includes trousers and shirts for men, and skirts and blouses for women, along with traditional accessories such as cotizas (sandals), paruma (wrap-around skirt), aprons, hats, and scarves.

Mayor Gutiérrez stated that the Feria de las Flores remains a public event, with over 110 activities organized by the Mayor’s Office. He emphasized the role of the silleteros as central to the festival, representing the region’s values and customs. Both adult and child silleteros are expected to debut new uniforms.

Above photo of Medellín’s “Feria de las Flores” (Flower Festival) courtesy of Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Under the theme “Medellín Te quiere celebrando lo que somos” (Medellín Loves You, Celebrating Who We Are), the program includes five parades. These are the second edition of Avenida Primavera, the Classic and Antique Cars Parade, the Chivas and Flowers Parade, and the Heroes of the Homeland Parade.

The 68th edition of the Iconic Silleteros Parade will feature 535 silleteros and silleteras, including five children with neurodiversity. Martín Atehortúa, a silletero from Santa Elena and president of the Corporación de Silleteros de Santa Elena (Cosse), acknowledged the inclusion efforts, noting it as an advance for equality. The parade is scheduled for Sunday, August 10. On this day, which marks the close of the Feria de las Flores, each silletero will wear a black ribbon in honor of victims of winter weather in the metropolitan area and nationwide.

The District Administration will provide 44 grandstands with a total capacity of 22,000 people per parade, each accommodating 500 attendees. Over 50% of these spaces will be open to the public without charge to ensure broader access. A specialized module with a capacity for 50 individuals with reduced mobility will also be available. The remaining grandstand spaces will be managed by the Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau for commercialization among festival sponsors and tourism operators.

Throughout the 10-day festival, musical stages will return with artistic programming in each of the 16 communes and five corregimientos, aiming to decentralize the event’s reach. Attendance at these stages is projected to range from 10,000 to 40,000 attendees per stage.

The inaugural concert is scheduled for Friday, August 1, in the Obelisco sector, featuring artists such as Jorge Celedón, Fernando González, and Jessi Uribe. Additionally, the Parque Cultural Nocturno (Night Cultural Park) will take place at Plaza Gardel, offering high-level performances. The program includes Colombian, Afro, and bolero music, along with a tribute to the 50th anniversary of El Combo de las Estrellas.

The 19th edition of the National Trova Festival Ciudad de Medellín will hold its semifinal rounds on August 1 and 2 at the Parque de los Deseos. The grand final for the Rey or Reina de la Trova (King or Queen of Trova) will be on Friday, August 8, at Plaza Gardel.

Other scheduled activities include the Silleteritos Parade and Sancochos Festival in Santa Elena, the La Floresta Silleteritos Parade, the Feria al Ritmo de Bici (Fair to the Rhythm of Bike) Parade, the Canine and Pet Walk, Plazas de las Flores (Flower Plazas), Fondas de Mi Tierra (My Land’s Inns) at Aeroparque Juan Pablo II, and “Florecer: orquídeas, naturaleza y tradiciones” (To Blossom: Orchids, Nature, and Traditions) at the Jardín Botánico de Medellín.

Mauricio Londoño, president of the Corporación de Silleteros de Santa Elena (Cosse), noted that grandstand ticket sales for 2025 will include the experience of visiting a silletera farm, aiming to increase visibility for these farms and allow visitors to experience them firsthand.

Migración Colombia projects that between 55,000 and 60,000 international passengers will arrive during the Feria de las Flores 2025, with at least 55% being foreign visitors and non-resident Colombians. Terminales Medellín estimates that land transport passenger arrivals will range between 250,000 and 260,000 people. Cotelco, the Colombian Hotel and Tourism Association, forecasts hotel occupancy rates between 77.0% and 81.0%, indicating an upward trend.

Medellín’s Féria de las Flores. Photo credit: Loren Moss

Correa was arrested on April 19, 2024, at Miami International Airport as he was preparing to board a flight to Medellín. Nine cell phones were found in his luggage, containing 58 videos and more than 100 photographs of child abuse, as well as explicit conversations with local pimps in which he expressed interest in “virgins.” A search of one of the cell phones also revealed a text message exchange with a sex trafficker in Colombia, who Correa agreed to pay $300,000 Colombian pesos (the equivalent of $75 USD) to arrange for commercial sex with children who were 10 to 12 years old.

The evidence was gathered through an investigation led by the Transnational Homeland Security Investigations Group (TCIU – SIJIN DIPRO), the Attorney General’s Office, HSI, and with support from the Mayor’s Office of Medellín through Operation Hunter.

“This sexual predator will face a long prison sentence in his country for crimes committed in Medellín. The sentence is the result of Operation Hunter, an example of what can be achieved with intelligence, international cooperation, and, above all, the determination to combat this crime. This is a historic result, the product of a parallel investigation conducted in both Miami and our city. The capture and conviction of both ends of a criminal network, the sexual offender and the pimp were achieved in both countries. We will not allow Medellín to be seen as a destination for sexual crime,” stated Mayor Federico Gutiérrez.

“Predators such as Correa are a scourge upon humanity, and must be dealt with accordingly.” – US Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne

The investigation also led to the identification of six direct victims in Medellín, who provided valuable testimony during forensic interviews conducted by HSI in Colombia. The minors recounted how Correa, who called himself.
“Cris” offered them money, lodging, clothing, and electronic devices in exchange for sexual acts. Two women who were part of his network, Lina Marcela Velázquez Maldonado and María Camila Cuervo, were also arrested and convicted of pimping and sexual abuse of a child under 14 years of age.

“This conviction is just one step. We are making progress in criminal proceedings against Correa’s accomplices and will continue collaborating to capture all those involved. Our commitment is absolute: to protect our children. Many more arrests are coming, and the investigation continues,” the president stated.

Stefan Correa will be imprisoned in a United States prison. Meanwhile, in Colombia, a mirror investigation is progressing that could lead to new arrests and expand the judicial siege against those who facilitated these crimes. The Mayor’s Office of Medellín reiterates its unwavering commitment to the defense of children, effective international cooperation, and a zero-tolerance policy against the sexual exploitation of children.

“The United States of America will always seek to protect children near and far,” said US Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “This prosecution and this sentence should serve as a warning to any predator who is trying to travel through our district to prey on children. We will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. A life sentence for this conduct is entirely appropriate. Predators such as Correa are a scourge upon humanity, and must be dealt with accordingly,”  Hayden added.

“To the brave survivors, your courage was the driving force in this case, and I hope that the life sentence of this predator brings you some measure of justice and relief,” said Jose R. Figueroa, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Miami. “This investigation underscores the global and horrific nature of child sex trafficking and the importance of international cooperation to end it. I thank our federal and Colombian counterparts for their steadfast dedication and reiterate HSI’s continued commitment to holding those who prey on minors fully accountable,” Figueroa continued.

HSI Miami investigated the case with assistance from HSI offices in Cleveland, Ohio, and Bogotá, Colombia, as well as US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  The Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, also provided critical assistance. Major Crimes Deputy Chief Assistant US Attorney Lauren Astigarraga prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by US Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call 1-888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat functions are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration, or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential, and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.

To report online child sexual exploitation, visit https://report.cybertip.org/ or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in partnership with HSI and other law enforcement agencies.

To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit https://www.humantraffickinghotline.org. To learn more about the US Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking, visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

Headline video credit: Law & Crime Network YouTube, Featured image credit: City of Medellín.

The event aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) transforms organizations and, based on this, define the keys that will enable them to adopt successful leadership in this new digital era.

Participants will learn strategies to integrate AI into organizational culture, customer experience, and foster brand loyalty; the role of leadership in the digital age; and how to prepare employees for new responsibilities with practical cases that demonstrate how this tool drives decisions and creates business opportunities. Some guests include Zack Kass, former director of Go-To-Market at OpenAI; Randi Zuckerberg, former director of marketing at Facebook and founder of Zuckerberg Media; Mitchell Weiss, professor at Harvard Business School and expert in innovation and generative AI; Jesús Cochegrús, entrepreneur and technology expert who has worked in the video game industry and developed projects for companies such as Nike and Coca-Cola.

The event aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) transforms organizations and, based on this, define the keys that will enable them to adopt successful leadership in this new digital era.

Those interested in attending can find details here.

“We are very pleased to announce from the Mayor’s Office of Medellín that WOBI is returning to the city, this time with a very important theme: artificial intelligence, a joint effort to bring topics that align with our vocation of Science, Technology, and Innovation. This is the opportunity to strengthen the knowledge of our business leaders and entrepreneurs, so that together we can continue transforming and consolidating our city and companies, generating valuable jobs, and, above all, understanding what it means to lead new technologies brought by the fourth industrial revolution,” said the Secretary of Economic Development, María Fernanda Galeano Rojo.

800 people are expected, including CEOs, C-level executives, area directors, and managers. Photo credit: WOBI.

Participants will learn strategies to integrate AI into organizational culture, customer experience, and foster brand loyalty; the role of leadership in the digital age; and how to prepare employees for new responsibilities with practical cases that demonstrate how this tool drives decisions and creates business opportunities. Some guests include Zack Kass, former director of Go-To-Market at OpenAI; Randi Zuckerberg, former director of marketing at Facebook and founder of Zuckerberg Media; Mitchell Weiss, professor at Harvard Business School and expert in innovation and generative AI; Jesús Cochegrús, entrepreneur and technology expert who has worked in the video game industry and developed projects for companies such as Nike and Coca-Cola.

“It is a true pleasure for me to announce that WOBI is returning to Medellín after five years. This time we are bringing an event called AI & Business Transformation, which, as its name suggests, couldn’t be more relevant at this time. We intend to show business leaders how artificial intelligence is changing and transforming the way we lead, develop strategies, connect with our clients, and manage and lead companies,” said WOBI Colombia’s Executive Director, Martha Lucía Maldonado.

One of the district’s goals is to continue positioning Medellín as a destination for events and business. For this reason, we support these events, in which people from all over the world participate, helping to position the city as a benchmark for business tourism and meetings.

Also See: WOBI Interview – Management Guru Ram Charan On How Colombia Can Go From A Resource To A Knowledge-Based Economy

Also See: WOBI Interview – Medellín Has Tech Talent – Colombia Now Needs a Support System for Startups to Scale

Photo credit: WOBI.

49 animals of other domestic species were adopted in 2025; the previous year there were 212. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Currently, there are seven waiting for homes: four pigs, one horse, and two ducks looking for people willing to love and protect them as part of their family.

“The citizen submits a request to the contract operator. They review the submitted documentation, then connect with us. We analyze the case, and if appropriate, we approve the adoption. Applicants must meet certain characteristics or conditions that we require,” said Acting Secretary of the Environment Elizabeth Coral.

Josefina is one of the stories that has touched thousands of hearts: she is a donkey who was abandoned in downtown Medellín, near Parque del Periodista, and her life changed forever when Laura Londoño, a veterinarian and influencer, decided to adopt her and give her a loving home.

Click on the above image to watch the short video.

“I contacted the Medellín City Hall because I knew they had a rescue program. I’m a veterinarian, and when I did my internship, I was in charge of caring for these animals, and they showed me the ones they had available. Josefina was also there. I went to visit her at the clinic, and she was in the process of recovery after being rescued, and it was love at first sight,” explained veterinarian Laura Londoño, now the donkey’s new caregiver.

In addition to dogs and cats, it is now possible to adopt horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, and birds. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Kabala is a Vietnamese piglet who is now waiting for a second chance. She came into the care of the District Administration after being rescued from a situation of abuse. She was subjected to undignified conditions, fed garbage, and treated without the slightest respect for her well-being. Her previous family bought her thinking she would be a minipig, unaware that she would grow larger than expected. When they lost interest in the piglet, they discarded her. Now, Kabala is looking for a home where she is not seen as a consumer animal, but as a being deserving of love, respect, and protection.

Those who wish to open their doors to a rescued domestic animal can contact adopcionfaunadomestica@gmail.com, where they will receive guidance on the adoption process. The criteria for adopting a domestic animal are love and respect for animals, and a place and food appropriate for the species. Another factor to remember is that these animals are not given for production or consumption, but rather to be cared for as companion animals.

At the same time, the La Perla Animal Welfare Center continues to be a refuge of hope for hundreds of animals without caretakers, providing them with medical care, emotional care, and a new opportunity through responsible adoption. In 2024, 4,404 animals were rescued. Today, many await an opportunity under the loving care of the Mayor’s Office of Medellín.

Kabala is a Vietnamese pig who is now waiting for a second chance. She came into the care of the District Administration after being rescued from a situation of abuse.  Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Police sources tell Finance Colombia the man is named David Flint Stone, and is a resident of Hawaii. According to the official report, neighbors reported the suspicious entry of a young woman who, although she claimed to be of legal age, had the physical features and appearance of a minor.

The man’s mobile phone is being analyzed for nexus to pornography, sex trafficking, or criminal networks.

Upon responding, the officers found the 60-year-old foreigner in the company of the 15-year-old girl. Initial investigations indicate that the man had arranged a sexual encounter with her worth one million pesos.

“In Medellín, there is no room for abuse, nor for those who come to violate our minors. Thanks to the citizens, who were not indifferent, and the reaction of our police, we were able to avoid irreparable damage. We remain committed to protecting what is most valuable: our children,” stated the Secretary of Security and Coexistence, Manuel Villa Mejía.

During the procedure, the agreed-upon money and a cell phone were seized, which will be analyzed by authorities to determine whether the arrested person is linked to other acts of exploitation or a criminal network. The man and the seized items were handed over to the Attorney General’s Office.

“The message is clear: in the people’s Mayor’s Office, under the leadership of Mayor Federico Gutiérrez, we are acting firmly against sexual exploitation. These types of crimes will not go unpunished in Medellín. We will continue working tirelessly to identify, capture, and prosecute these criminals,” Villa Mejía added.

As part of the care protocol, the teenager was transferred to a health center to activate the health route and subsequently placed at the disposal of the rights restoration system, guaranteeing her comprehensive care and protection by the state.

David Flint Stone, was arrested in Laureles for sexual exploitation of a minor. Photo credit: Colombian National Police.

Photo and video courtesy of the Colombian National Police.