Colombian High Profile Criminals and Witness Protection

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 11:02:

Or any good books to read that tell the story of a high profile Colombiano/a in this situation?

Thanks

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

Mr. Hollywood says on May 14, 2008, 11:12:

I know of a number of people who were helped to leave the country, either permanently or for a few years.

The government also provides actual physical security (armored cars and bodyguards) for certain people who are under threat as witnesses.

What always surprises me is the number of Colombians who leave under some kind of threat and then come back once the coast is clear. It seems like the attention span of most murderous criminals must be shorter in Colombia than many other places. I wouldn't have the balls to come back a year or two after getting serious death threats and leaving, but, then again, I don't have the balls to do the kind of things that resulted in the death threats in the first place.

LilaM says on May 14, 2008, 11:17:

CG.... There is a very good book written by Carlos Castaño (RIP) it says the reality of the paras, the way they started and where were the connections between, paras, drugs, government... I recommend that one...

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer." Ed. Cunningham

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 11:36:

Mr H: Just clarification
"The government also provides actual physical security (armored cars and bodyguards) for certain people who are under threat as witnesses"

Do you mean the Colombian govt or US or both (regarding your personal knowledge)

"What always surprises me is the number of Colombians who leave under some kind of threat "

What kind of threat do you mean? Is it direct or possibly "read into"

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 11:44:

Oh! another thing in regards to "threats" - How would a Colombiano/a be viewed (as in how socially acceptable) if they capitalized on this idea and preyed on others in their own country by creating the illusion that they are somehow connected to guerrillas to terrorize? (when they are not even close to this?)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 11:45:

LilaM - BTW - Gracias

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

Mr. Hollywood says on May 14, 2008, 12:54:

I'm talking about what the Colombian government does. I'm sure there is much cooperation with various US agencies on some of these cases, though.

With regard to your second question, it sounds like your ex-hubby was a real character...

Anyone who pretended to be a guerilla in Colombia is beyond stupid.

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 14:40:

Mr H jaja....actually, I cannot go into specifics at this point, but I ended up on the other end of a bizaare telephone conversation with someone in Bogota. (you guessed very well...spurred on by my ex who presented the purpose for the call as something totally different than what was discussed).
All I can tell you is that i was on a totally different page than this individual and he continually delrailed the conversation to talk to me about guerrillas, his past problems with guerrillas and how he is very careful now etc. Made a big point of asking what part of Bogota my then husband was from (??) What exactly does he really do for a lviing (??) and went on and on about the fact that he was middle class and not rich... He was very distressed.
Could be the rantings of a paranoid guy. The purpose for my call was NOTHING close to what he kept throwing at me. In addition to the fact that I had No idea about this stuff and told him so...he calmed down after we talked. Bizarre! He just seemed really distrusting -
Was not sure if someone had been harrassing him?? Either way, I get the feeling the answer is that it is not typical.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

lampltr says on May 14, 2008, 18:01:

Cat; "How would a Colombiano/a be viewed (as in how socially acceptable) if they capitalized on this idea and preyed on others in their own country by creating the illusion that they are somehow connected to guerrillas to terrorize? (when they are not even close to this?)" True Para's would definitely take care of this person in their own way if he resided locally...Would be very stupid to draw attention to oneself as there are quiet eyes everywhere...hope that helps a little.

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 18:39:

Yes, that does help. This guy probably had a really bad past experience and/or is hypervigilant...or needs some professional help.
My Ex's ellusive nature probably didn't help matters either.

I thought it was socially unacceptable behavior (at best), but wanted to double check.
Thanks ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

webmanco says on May 14, 2008, 18:49:

Had you been in Colombia at a any given time?

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 18:55:

Webman: Sorry, not sure of your question? Are you asking me if I was in Colombia at the time I was talking on the telephone with this man?

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

Mr. Hollywood says on May 14, 2008, 20:08:

CatGirl, one thing Colombia has plenty of is people who have been traumatized by bad experiences with the dark side. So it doesn't surprise me that you might encounter a rambling nutter, if that's what he was. I can't even imagine the pain of being clinically paranoid in a place like Colombia, where there truly are so many weird things afoot and so much is played out below the surface.

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 21:38:

Yes, I could also see how this poor guy would have trouble keeping his business afloat. He was attempting to do business with Americans. After speaking with him....I had a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of anyone doing business with this guy. Again, as I commented in the begining, I can only give scant info on this forum.
What was wierd ..was not the unusual way I was unknowingly tricked into this conversation nor the conversation itself - it was that conversation I had with my ex after this call that put up the red flags. As always, I will never know the truth, as many times things that appeared simple and calm were Not ... and things that appeared tangible were actual deceptive webs of "nothingness"

Mr H - your comment "where there truly are so many weird things afoot and so much is played out below the surface."

Hit the nail on the head....very well put.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

webmanco says on May 14, 2008, 21:41:

CatGirl, Had you been in Colombia at a any given time?? I am just curious.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 21:41:

BTW - this story is really not what spurred the OP. It was simply an interjection. I have other reasons for these questions. ;))

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

webmanco says on May 14, 2008, 21:43:

CatGirl so you too got me in the ignore list? :-)

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 21:43:

Hola Webman: Amor - no.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 21:44:

Sweetie - we posted at the same time ;)) jaja - No on your question.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 21:45:

jajaja - you are too funny. But for some reason I don't picture you as the baby crying type ;) (compliment)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

webmanco says on May 14, 2008, 21:51:

Don´t be so sure, if I see that kid crying tears start coming out my eyes.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 21:52:

Ok - but no temper tantrums - OK - jajajaja

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

CatGirl says on May 14, 2008, 22:08:

Nite Bambino - I will tuck you in now....

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

webmanco says on May 14, 2008, 22:11:

Después de la tormenta viene la calma.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

CatGirl says on May 15, 2008, 07:38:

So true....;)))...especially after a lulliby...jeje

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent