Lifting the Veil on Colombia’s “Emerald Czar”

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Declassified documents characterize Carranza as a “big-time narco” and one of the “best known” paramilitary leaders in Colombia.

If you’re not too busy prepping for the holiday break, take a few minutes to read our latest Electronic Briefing Book about the billionaire who stands at the intersection of the emerald business, narcotrafficking, and paramilitary death squads in Colombia: “Emerald Czar” Víctor Carranza Niño.

Earlier this year, Colombian prosecutors announced a new probe into Carranza’s paramilitary ties following the testimony of more than half a dozen former members of the the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC). Top AUC capos have accused Carranza of sponsoring and organizing paramilitary death squads responsible for countless assassinations and massacres.

Their statements are corroborated by the declassified observations of U.S. diplomats and intelligence officials, who have characterized him as both a “big-time narco” and one of the “best known” paramilitary leaders in Colombia.

Now, the testimony of one former AUC chief may just be the key to unlocking the secrets of a recently declassified U.S. diplomatic cable and the massacre at Miraflores.

Follow this link to read the full posting: Lifting the Veil on Colombia’s “Emerald Czar”

Follow the Colombia Documentation Project on Twitter @Colombiadocs