Colombia’s defense sector is facing a serious challenge as allegations of infiltration by a dissident armed group surface within key government institutions. An investigation by Noticias Caracol has revealed potential links between members of the military and the ‘Calarcá’ group, raising concerns about national security and the integrity of Colombia’s armed forces. The scrutiny centers on Colonel (ret.) Juan Carlos Mazo Giraldo, the current head of state-owned military industry Indumil, and his alleged connections to the dissident group’s activities. The revelations come as financial records of Mazo are being examined for any irregularities, adding another layer to the unfolding situation.
The head of Colombia’s state-owned military industry, Indumil, Colonel (ret.) Juan Carlos Mazo Giraldo, is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations of infiltration by the ‘Calarcá’ dissident group into key government institutions, including the Prosecutor’s Office and the Army.
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An investigation revealed by Noticias Caracol details alleged links between Army members and the armed group through meetings, messages, emails, and other communications with delegates from ‘Calarcá.’ Colonel Mazo is among those named in the report.
According to the information disclosed, the military official allegedly attended meetings with representatives of the dissident group to discuss the creation of a security company responsible for weapons transport. This development raises concerns about potential security risks and the integrity of Colombia’s defense sector.
Colonel (ret.) Mazo was appointed by President Gustavo Petro on January 30, 2024, and is believed to have been instrumental in the reinstatement of General Luis Emilio Cardozo, who was previously retired by the President in August 2022, to the command of the National Army.
Colonel (Ret.) Juan Carlos Mazo Giraldo, director of Indumil. Photo:Courtesy
Reported Assets of Colonel (ret.) Juan Carlos Mazo
Data published by the Public Function Unit shows Colonel (ret.) Juan Carlos Mazo’s income tax returns for 2023, 2022, and 2021. The 2020 filing is not currently registered.
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In 2021, Mazo reported net assets of 351,984,000 Colombian pesos. For the 2022 period, this figure increased by more than 200 million pesos to 606,506,000 pesos. From 2022 to 2023, reported assets decreased to 439,972,000 pesos, representing a 27.47 percent reduction in net worth for the latest tax year (2023). The shift in reported assets is drawing attention amid the broader investigation.
According to records at the Superintendency of Notaries and Registry, Mazo owns one property: a house located at Calle 169B # 75 – 73. In the 2022 conflict of interest declaration, the property was valued at 850 million pesos. The following year, the assessed value increased to 950 million pesos.
His only other reported asset is a car registered in Bogotá. The 2021 conflict of interest declaration is not publicly available. According to these documents, his income, assets, and liabilities decreased from 515 million pesos in 2022 to 435,366,618 pesos in 2023.
No contracts with the state or judicial records appear under his name.
DATA UNIT
