Colombian police arrested President Gustavo Petro’s son, Nicolas Petro on Saturday along with the President’s ex-wife Daysuris del Carmen Vasquez. The Attorney General’s Office released a statement, confirming both are facing charges of money laundering, as part of a high-profile money laundering probe into funds sourced from convicted drug traffickers and contraband traders during the previous presidential campaign. It was also stated they will soon be appearing in a criminal court in Bogota.

Local news in Bogota stated that a cartel boss, Samuel Lopesierra, allegedly made a political donation of over $100,000 towards Petro’s campaign in order to run as an official candidate for the Governor of La Guajira. The President and his son have denied receiving this donation. President Petro has strongly denied all of the allegation that he has been involved in corrupt activities or been a recipient of “dirty money”. He tweeted that he will not intervene or attempt to pressure the investigation, and that the law will “freely guide the process”.

This scandal is the latest in Gustavo Petro’s presidency. He has faced significant scrutiny from his right wing opposition whilst struggling to keep US bipartisan support for Colombia. The US has been a strong ally to Colombia, especially in the war against drugs and criminal gang activity. President Petro’s administration has focuses on “peace proposals”, ceasefire negotiations and to end Colombia’s 60-year internal conflict that killed over 400,000 people.