Colombian authorities and international police moved swiftly this week after Zulma Guzman — the businesswoman accused of orchestrating the delivery of thallium-laced chocolate-covered raspberries that killed two schoolgirls in Bogota in April — was found in the River Thames and taken to hospital by London’s Metropolitan Police. The situation led to the Zulma Guzman for thallium poisoning arrest in London, highlighting the international collaboration in this complex case.
Guzman, who has been the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and an international arrest warrant issued by the Fiscalia General de la Nacion, has denied the allegations while authorities in Colombia continue their criminal inquiry, LBC reports.
Zulma Guzman arrested in London
The poisonings in April left 14-year-old Ines de Bedout and 13-year-old Emilia Forero dead and a third girl seriously ill. Colombian prosecutors say toxicological analysis identified thallium — a potent, odorless heavy metal — in the food item sent to one of the victims’ homes, prompting a criminal probe that later produced an international capture order for Guzman.
Investigators say messages, phone records, and other evidence link Guzman to the delivery, though she has publicly maintained her innocence and said she traveled abroad for professional reasons.
According to United Kingdom media and police statements, Guzman was located in the water of River Thames, near Battersea Bridge, early Tuesday and recovered by the Met’s Marine Policing Unit before being transported to hospital; sources say, cited by local outlet The Sun, a Westminster Magistrates Court warrant was prepared at the request of Colombian authorities and extradition steps could follow once she is medically fit. U.K. officials are coordinating with Interpol and Colombian prosecutors as legal and medical checks continue.
The case has reverberated across Colombia, where outlets report the Fiscalía is also re-examining earlier suspicious deaths and possible links to the same toxin. The affair has drawn intense public attention not only because of the victims’ ages but also because Guzmán is a high-profile entrepreneur who appeared on business television and runs an electric car rental company. Colombian prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing and have emphasized they will pursue all international legal avenues.
As authorities in both countries proceed, legal experts note extradition from the U.K. typically requires a formal request, judicial review and assurances the accused will receive due process. For now, Guzman remains under medical supervision; any detention or court appearance in Britain would mark the next procedural step toward potential transfer to Colombia to face homicide and poisoning charges.
The reason why Guzman fell in the water is unknown, but a police spokesperson said: “Police were called at 06:45hrs on Tuesday, 16 December to reports of a woman in distress on Battersea Bridge,” according to reporting by LBC.
A case of vengeance?
Colombian prosecutors say their central hypothesis, detailed in court documents, points to a personal connection as the motive.
According to the investigation, Guzman allegedly had an extramarital affair with the dead girls’ father, Juan de Bedou, some years ago, and authorities are examining whether that past relationship — and a possible fixation that followed — may have led to the delivery of the package to his residence.
Investigators believe the evidence shows Guzman was knowledgeable of the family’s daily habits, knew they favored the raspberries, and was aware of the timing of the gathering at the apartment where the fruit was later eaten.