Wednesday Feb 15, 2023 - Colombia - Financial crimes prosecutor arrested, Supporters march the streets, New food to Colombia

These are some of the Trending news in Colombia on Wednesday February 15, 2023.

Colombia’s former top financial crimes prosecutor, Ana Catalina Noguera, was arrested on corruption charges, accused of extorting drug traffickers wanted by the US. Noguera was arrested alongside a colonel and two other members of the National Police's international cooperation unit. The Prosecutor General’s Office claims the officials demanded money from drug traffickers to block their extradition. Noguera was a confidant of former Prosecutor General Nestor Humberto Martinez, who made her head of the Asset Forfeiture department. Noguera resigned in 2020 after her cousins were indicted on drug trafficking charges. In April 2022, she made headlines again when audio surfaced of her discussing corruption charges against a wealthy Bogota family and the possibility of Martinez's involvement in bribery with Brazilian engineering firm Odebrecht. Noguera is the third ally of Martinez to run into legal trouble. In 2017, his former anti-corruption chief was convicted of bribery.

"Thousands march in Colombia in support of President Petro's reforms. Yesterday, supporters took to the streets in major cities to show their support for the President's efforts to reduce poverty, inequality and exclusion in the country. President Petro recently presented a health reform aimed at improving access to healthcare, increasing salaries in the sector, and combating corruption. He also plans to introduce reforms in labor and pensions, as well as programs to provide free university education and subsidies for impoverished families and the elderly. "We need a change," says Bogota street vendor Maria Isabel Cubillos. "For the poor to have access to health, education and decent housing."

Univar Solutions and Kalsec have teamed up to bring innovative solutions to the Latin American food and beverage industry. The companies have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Kalsec's full food ingredient product range in Colombia, giving Univar Solutions customers access to a broader range of ingredient solutions focused on taste, natural colors, and food protection. The partnership will provide customers with access to high-quality, naturally sourced ingredients and support the latest food trends such as clean label, plant-based alternatives, and healthy ingredients. Both companies are committed to sustainable practices and meeting environmental, social, and governance goals. The partnership will drive more sustainable food and beverage solutions and provide technical support for the challenges facing the future of the food industry in South America and beyond.

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