Valle del Cauca offers over $1.15 billion in rewards for criminal captures

The government of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, has disbursed over 1.15 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $290,000 USD) in rewards since 2024, a strategy funded by a security tax that has led to the capture of 168 criminals. This financial incentive for citizens has been instrumental in dismantling criminal organizations operating in the region.

According to Guillermo Londoño, the departmental secretary of Citizen Security and Coexistence, the captured individuals were part of criminal networks responsible for serious offenses including homicide, extortion, terrorism, kidnapping, forced displacement, illegal recruitment, and theft. Notable arrests facilitated by citizen collaboration include "Alias Santi," apprehended in Palmira and a member of the "Most Wanted" list, "Alias Cacachi" in Buenaventura, and "Alias Nacho," identified as a leader of the "La Inmaculada" criminal structure in Tuluá's rural area.

The initiative has also impacted various organized armed groups (GAO), organized crime groups (GDO), and common organized crime groups (GDCO). Londoño emphasized the importance of institutional coordination and assured that the reward mechanism operates under strict protocols to protect informants through anonymity, ensuring legal security and transparent fund management.

The program has positively influenced public order in numerous municipalities, including Buenaventura, Buga, Cartago, Florida, Ginebra, El Cerrito, Ansermanuevo, Jamundí, Palmira, Sevilla, Trujillo, Tuluá, and Calima-El Darién. The reward fund remains active, and authorities continue to urge citizens to provide confidential information via emergency line 123 or the mobile number 321 394 51 56, while also increasing control and registration points throughout the region.