The arrest of two congressional candidates marked the legislative election day in Colombia, amid investigations into alleged electoral corruption and other irregularities. The detentions took place in different regions of the country and sparked reactions within the political arena, in a context of strict oversight by authorities during the process to renew Congress for the 2026–2030 term.
These incidents were compounded by an extraordinary security measure adopted by the government. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti announced the temporary closure of the border with Venezuela after more than 2,400 people crossed illegally into Colombian territory in recent days, under circumstances that, according to authorities, have not yet been fully clarified.
Despite these cases and others of a lesser nature, such as unreported changes to polling stations and a complaint of alleged voter impersonation, the day has proceeded normally, according to official government sources.
Two congressional candidates arrested in Colombia: Freddy Gomez and Victor Moreno
One of the most significant cases was the arrest of Senate candidate Freddy Camilo Gomez Castro, detained by agents of the Attorney General’s Office Technical Investigation Corps (CTI) after a judicial order was issued against him as part of an investigation into alleged links to smuggling networks.
The arrest took place shortly after the candidate exercised his right to vote at a polling station located in a district in western Bogota. According to the Attorney General’s Office, Gomez Castro — candidate for the U Party — is being investigated for his possible connection to a criminal structure that allegedly facilitated smuggling operations associated with smuggler Diego Marin Buitrago, known by the alias “Papa Pitufo.”
Authorities say that this network allegedly operated through political and administrative contacts that supposedly allowed illegal activities related to the irregular entry of goods into the country. The investigation remains ongoing, and the candidate will have to answer before the courts for the charges brought against him in the judicial process.
The candidate’s arrest occurred in the middle of the election day, which increased media attention on the case. After his detention, he was placed at the disposal of judicial authorities for the legalization of the arrest and the corresponding hearings in which his legal situation will be determined.
In a separate incident, police arrested House of Representatives candidate Victor Hugo Moreno Bandeira in the Amazonas department, where he was running for Congress with the Democratic Center party.
The operation took place in the city of Leticia, where officers intercepted the politician while he was traveling in a vehicle. During the inspection, agents found approximately 20 million pesos (approximately US$5,350) in cash.
According to the official report, Moreno Bandeira allegedly attempted to bribe the officers to avoid the procedure, which led to his immediate arrest for the alleged crime of bribery by giving or offering. The money was seized while investigations are carried out to determine its origin.
The candidate has a political career in the Amazon region, where he previously served as governor of the Amazonas department and also held a seat as a member of the House of Representatives. After his arrest, he remained in custody while the Attorney General’s Office continues its investigation into the case.
Authorities are seeking to determine whether the funds found could be related to illegal practices during the electoral campaign, such as possible vote buying or other forms of electoral corruption.
#Atención 🚨 | Fiscalía materializó la orden de captura contra Freddy Camilo Gómez Castro, candidato al Senado y quien sería uno de los articuladores de la red de corrupción que facilitaba el contrabando para Diego Marín Buitrago pic.twitter.com/K3GIMUI4Up
— Noticias RCN (@NoticiasRCN) March 8, 2026
Closure of the border with Venezuela
While the legislative elections were taking place, the Colombian government announced an additional security measure at the border with Venezuela. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti reported that the temporary closure of the border crossing had been ordered after the irregular entry of more than 2,400 people into Colombian territory was detected.
According to the official, these individuals had crossed the border using unauthorized routes in recent days. Authorities indicated that the reasons and purpose of these movements are still unknown, which led the government to adopt preventive measures.
Benedetti explained that the decision was taken to guarantee security during the election day and to prevent possible disturbances of public order in an area historically sensitive due to migratory flows and illegal activities.
Migration and security authorities reinforced surveillance at the main border crossings and along the trails used for irregular transit. Operations were also deployed to verify the status of the people who entered the country without authorization.
The border closure will remain in place while the government evaluates the evolution of the situation and determines whether there is any additional risk to national security or to the normal development of the electoral process.