Colombian influencer Epa Colombia moved to maximum-security prison

Colombian influencer and entrepreneur Daneidy Barrera Rojas, widely known as Epa Colombia, has been moved to the maximum-security La Picaleña prison in Ibagué. The decision, reportedly ordered by President Abelardo de La Espriella on August 7, 2026, affects Barrera Rojas and 117 other inmates facing disciplinary actions during their incarceration.

Barrera Rojas was transferred from a military facility due to alleged violations of prison rules, including the introduction of cell phones and undergoing cosmetic procedures while detained in Bogotá. These actions prompted her relocation to a higher-security facility, a move intended to enhance control within the country's penitentiary system.

Epa Colombia gained significant public attention in 2016 with a viral video during the Copa América. She later built a substantial business empire with her hair product line, Keratinas Epa Colombia, establishing multiple salons and becoming a prominent figure in digital entrepreneurship. Despite initial expulsion from educational institutions for her online content, she successfully marketed her products through digital platforms.

Her legal troubles stem from a conviction by the Supreme Court of Justice, which upheld a sentence of five years and two months. This sentence is for charges including property damage, disturbing public transport, and inciting crime, related to the vandalism of a TransMilenio station in 2019. The court also prohibited her from acting as an influencer during her sentence. Her arrest occurred in January 2025, concluding a period of legal disputes linked to her social media activities.