Loan Shark Murdered in Barranquilla, Third 'Gota a Gota' Collector Killed in 48 Hours

A loan shark operating under the 'gota a gota' system was fatally shot in Barranquilla, Colombia, on the night of June 1. This incident marks the third murder of a 'gota a gota' collector in the city within a 48-hour period, highlighting a surge in violence associated with the predatory lending practice. The victim had reportedly survived a previous assassination attempt earlier this year.

The 'gota a gota' system, prevalent in Latin America, involves informal, high-interest loans often enforced through intimidation and violence. The recent killings underscore the dangerous environment in which these collectors operate and the escalating conflict within criminal networks involved in this illicit trade.

Authorities are investigating the series of murders, seeking to identify the perpetrators and understand the motives behind the coordinated attacks. The pattern of violence suggests a potential escalation of territorial disputes or retaliatory actions among criminal groups.